SEAFOOD Scotland is urging supermarkets to reopen their fish counters.
With restaurants closed and international markets shut off, the seafood sector has been relying on retail sales – however many of the major supermarkets have closed down their fish counters to protect workers.
Only Morrisons has reopened its fresh counters in recent days.
Seafood Scotland head Donna Fordyce said: “It is imperative that fish counters are reopened to allow consumers access to fresh, locally-caught seafood from the domestic market as part of their essential shop.”
Pre-coronavirus, 80% of Scottish seafood and shellfish was exported, with the remaining 20% destined for UK food service and retail.
Since the lockdown, demand for seafood has dropped by around 60%.
Mrs Fordyce added: “Once the lockdown was implemented many of the main multiples closed their fish counters – effectively blocking a significant part of our domestic market.
“We understand why this happened – retail was under enormous pressure at the time and social distancing felt like a barrier.
“However, we believe that the operational pressure has eased slightly as retailers and consumers alike become more used to working around social distancing in supermarkets. Morrisons has already proved it can be done.
“It’s time for consumers to eat local, eat Scottish. We get to eat our own high quality, delicious, healthy and sustainable seafood so that the Scottish coastal communities can continue to operate, albeit at reduced capacity.
“The supermarkets are key to making this happen.”
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