Grimsby handled over 6,000 boxes yesterday, and with a further 4,500 boxes likely today, is expecting plenty of fish for the rest of the week thanks to uninterrupted fishing activity around Iceland and the Faroes.

Local merchants said the continuing cold weather meant a strong demand for fish and chips, which was helping business. However, the early Easter meant a disappointing seaside trade this year.

Grimsby FMA chief executive Steve Norton said the trade was delighted to see fish continuing to come in large quantities - it was what the port needed at this time.

Meanwhile, M&J Seafoods, one of Britain’s leading fish suppliers to the hotel and catering trade, said supplies should be decent with plenty of haddock available.

This was despite the fact that the weekend weather on the Scottish fishing grounds had forced many vessels to stop fishing. There were also signs that the winds could pick up again this coming weekend, which may impact on landings for the start of April.

The M&J market report said demand for fish remained high because many suppliers would find their chillers empty after the Easter break. Cod and haddock prices, however, remained stable.

Prices for halibut and turbot were still high despite supplies of farmed fish from Norway and Spain. But this could change with the arrival of Pacific halibut from Canada and Alaska. Catches looked good which could lead to a slight easing of prices.

M&J said salmon prices were rising because the Easter holiday meant a short harvesting period in Norway. Scottish salmon supplies and prices were remaining fairly stable. Supplies of tuna, sea bass and scallops looked good throughout the entire week, says the report.

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend