Icelandic Supply

Grimsby Fish Market is suffering from a downturn in Icelandic supply; 30% year on year. The Icelandic Government is taking strict measures to retain fish for domestic processing which in turn create jobs, something that Iceland needs. There is however a fine balance as whole fish exports to Grimsby brings their own benefits; one of them being quick payment through the FMA’s fish settlement scheme. The rapid conversion of fish into sterling has been most welcome during Iceland’s economic crisis.

A delegation of Humber seafood processors visited Iceland in early May where they met government officials and leading industry representatives to discuss the supply situation and reinforce the importance of the Humber for seafood supply.
The announcement of the 2010/2011 quota was not all good news with cod was increased but haddock was reduced by 13,000 tonnes. We are concerned about future supply and will do all we can to attract more supply.

Representatives of the FMA recently visited Denmark and in particular the port of Hanstholm where they met the harbour master and the owner of the fish auction. The meeting was positive and we learnt a lot about their modus operandi. Their system is much simpler with one operator and ad valorum method of charges.