Orkney

Orkney is an archipelago situated off the north coast, 10 miles (16 km) north of the coast of Caithness and has about 70 islands, of which 20 are inhabited. Orkney is Scotland’s smallest local authority with an estimated population of 22,540.

The seas and coasts are an integral part of day-to-day life for Orkney communities and play an important role in the local economy. Commercial fisheries make a significant contribution to the economy of Orkney and are an important source of income, particularly in the more remote and fragile island communities. Orkney’s fishing industry is worth around £14 million to the Scottish economy and supports nearly 300 jobs.

There are currently 124 registered vessels in Orkney, 97 under 10m and 27 over 10m. Commercial fishing in the region is predominately undertaken by locally owned inshore creel boats, providing direct income local economy.

The Orkney Regional Inshore Fisheries Group (RIFG) is one of six Scotland and covers the waters surrounding the main island group out to 12nm, and in addition the waters surrounding Sule Skerry to the west.

Orkney Regional Inshore Fisheries Group (ORIFG) is working closely with local fishermen and other relevant industry partners such as Orkney Fisheries Association, Orkney Fishermen’s Society and Orkney Sustainable Fisheries.

The ORIFG not only aims to ensure local fishermen have a stronger voice in wider marine management but also to find and implement practical solutions to issues identified locally.

Fishermen are invited to either email or phone the chair directly, to make initial contact and, if needed, arrange for an informal chat to discuss their views, hopes, suggestions and what practical support the ORIFG can offer.