The seafood industry in Scotland is estimated to be worth over £1 billion to the Scottish economy (Scottish Executive, 2005), and is particularly important for coastal communities in the Highlands and Islands providing around 18,000 jobs. Seafood is also an important issue for consumers as increasing evidence shows the positive benefit seafood (which are rich in omega-3 oils) can have in promoting health. Nevertheless, the industry is also facing many challenges, concerning environmental sustainability, risks of contamination from environmental pollutants, competition in a globalised marketplace, increasing regulation and the need for increasingly sophisticated communications with consumers. The FishFuture website has been established as an initiative of the Universities of Stirling, Dundee and St. Andrews, who are seeking to combine their expertise in medicine, public health, psychology, seafood production, quality, marketing, media and public relations in order to better understand the complex nature of the problems facing the industry and provide an equally synergistic response. The site provides a channel for disseminating research results and engaging in discussion with all interested stakeholders. Full development of this website will depend on the degree to which the consortium are successful in attracting research funding. Initial work has been possible thanks to funding for an initial feasibility study provided by the Scottish Funding Council (under the SRDG scheme).

(Courtersy of Somerfield Stores plc)

Links to project partner institutions and units are available on the “links” page