Scotland as a whole voted to Remain in the EU, however the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) welcomed  the Brexit vote. They believe there is now an opportunity to set up an exclusive economic fishing area in the same way as Iceland or the Faroes.

Taking a different view the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations have warned that the UK could, in fact, end up with a worse deal, and should not expect greater catches to be allocated to them. They still need to share the same fishing area with remaining EU members and need to negotiate their position. It is not that likely other EU members will be willing to give up a greater share of the catch to a departing member.

Overall UK exporters appear likely to benefit, with global suppliers to the UK and processors in the UK who require imported raw materials expected to end up as losers. Either way the UK seafood industry just got a lot more politicised.