Scots urged to eat more fish and save industry

Published on Friday 15 May 2009 21:03

SCOTS are being urged to eat more fish as part of a campaign launched yesterday.

The government-backed scheme is designed to promote the health benefits of including fish in the diet, and give the fishing industry a boost.

Fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scottish fish is harvested sustainably from one of the most spectacular marine environments anywhere in the world.

"It's also a natural wonder food, packed with healthy essentials such as protein, minerals and vitamins."

The government said recent figures showed a dip in fish consumption and that consumers were eating less than the recommended two portions a week.

The promotional drive is being run as part of the Fishing 09 Expo in Glasgow.

It includes work with retailers and fishmongers and a Scotland-wide competition to find the country's best young seafood chef.

Scottish Fishermen's Federation chief executive, Bertie Armstrong, said: "We are delighted to support this new initiative to promote the consumption of seafood.

"Scottish fishermen are proud to be leading the way in the harvesting of sustainable seafood and we are confident that consumers are increasingly taking this message on board by recognising the taste and health benefits of eating fish."