Between 2020 and 2022 researchers from UHI Shetland carried out a research project investigating the identity of herring in Shetland waters. While North Sea autumn-spawning herring are known to be present – for which there is a valuable commercial fishery – the study found new evidence for spring-spawning herring in Shetland waters; with the potential for either a previously unidentified Shetland spring-spawning population component or herring originating from Norwegian or Western Baltic spring-spawning populations.
This is valuable new information providing insight into the identity of herring populations around Shetland. Through the work, connections have been established with other research organisations, with additional collaboration planned which will provide more detailed information to contribute to addressing questions of stock discrimination and informing science and management.
