New online hub brings locally caught fish direct to dinner tables in Scotland

An online hub is helping Scots to make eco-conscious choices about the fish they eat while supporting local businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Edinburgh Fish City project aims to help connect Scotltish seafood suppliers and fishermen with consumers who want to buy sustainably caught fish and shellfish in their local area.

It’s part of an initiative by the Edible Edinburgh Partnership (EEP), which is focused on bringing sustainable seafood to the capital as part of a drive for healthier and more environmentally friendly food in the city.

Using a digital portal and network, the project seeks to put businesses in touch with an alternative market in a bid to counteract a dramatic drop in seafood exports and reduced demand from the catering sector caused by the Covid-19 crisis.

The new Edinburgh Fish City project aims to help connect Scottish seafood suppliers and fishermen with consumers who want to buy sustainably caught fish and shellfish in their local area

Being part of the campaign is a way for businesses to become part of Edinburgh’s good food movement, link with the wider sustainable food network and find opportunities to connect with other firms and customers.

The project also aims to highlight the health benefits of fresh fish and seafood and further protect Scotland’s natural environment.

“This campaign should allow our communities to obtain fresh and sustainable fish at affordable prices and I would encourage all retailers to join the campaign,” said City of Edinburgh councillor George Gordon, chair of the EEP.

“Our partnership comprises of local and national bodies, community groups, organisations and service providers who have a common goal to ensure that the citizens of Edinburgh have access to good, nutritious, quality food at affordable prices, which benefits physical and mental health.

“Individuals, businesses and organisations all have a role to play in contributing towards Edinburgh’s growing movement of active food citizenship.”

The EEP is working alongside marine conservation charity Open Seas on the initiative.

Phil Taylor, of Open Seas, said: “The Covid-19 crisis has meant that fishermen have lost much of their foreign seafood market, but also that consumers are looking to support food producers close to home.

“This project aims to promote businesses sourcing locally and with true sustainability at their heart.

"If you are looking to support those fishermen who are working sustainably, and buy seafood with known provenance, have a look at the businesses listed on the site and treat yourself to some of our greatest seafood offerings.”

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