Is global warming boosting squid numbers off Shetland?
New report says sea temperatures near the islands increased in 2025.
Record numbers of squid have been reported in inshore waters off Shetland.
Local fishers say the research supports their call for the reintroduction of a squid fishery in the area.
According to Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA), “extraordinary” amounts of squid offer a huge diversification opportunity.
And they also strengthen the case for the Scottish Government launching a pilot fishery.
Pilot project for Shetland squid may be up and running soon
Marine directorate officials and fishing industry representatives are part of a Squid Pilot Co-Management Group working up plans.
It is hoped the pilot will be up and running this year.
SFA executive officer Sheila Keith said: “We hear a lot about how ministers support the industry.
“Here is a very clear practical example of a step that can be taken to show that they do.”
But why are there so many more squid off Shetland?
Environmental change is thought to be the most likely explanation.
In its latest Shetland Inshore Fish Survey report, UHI Shetland says summer sea temperatures around the islands were considerably higher than average in 2025.
Squid numbers ‘strongly affected’ by environmental conditions
It adds: “Squid fisheries are often characterised by substantial interannual fluctuation in landings, as annual stock size depends almost entirely on recruitment success and is, therefore, strongly affected by environmental conditions.
“Further research on squid locally could aim to identify squid spawning grounds, investigate any seasonal trends in distribution and abundance, and consider the potential impact of high squid stocks on other commercial fish species.”
The annual survey was carried out in 27 different locations around the islands.
This was supplemented by data from known nursery grounds.
Shaun Fraser, the report’s lead author, said: “The squid catch rate, by weight, on shallow grounds was the highest yet recorded, surpassing the record levels recorded in previous recent years.”
High squid catches were concentrated in specific nearshore areas and “more patchily distributed elsewhere”, he added.
The survey findings also confirm Shetland’s inshore waters are important spawning and nursery grounds for key North Sea stocks such as cod, haddock, whiting and plaice.
[Source: Press and Journal]
