Juvenile populations of key commercial whitefish species are showing signs of recovery around Shetland, according to an annual scientific survey.

The 2024 Shetland Inshore Fish Survey, conducted by UHI Shetland marine scientists, found increased numbers of young haddock, cod, and whiting, even as mature fish catches remained at the lower end of historical ranges.

"Although future survival rates of undersize fish are unknown, the data suggests strong recruitment to the local commercial fishery is likely for some gadoid species," said Dr. Shaun Fraser, senior fisheries scientist at UHI Shetland. 

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The survey, running since 2011, covers 52 locations within 12 nautical miles of Shetland, including 25 potential nursery grounds. Haddock dominated the catches, while there high numbers of spurdog, John Dory, and horse mackerel.

In a first for the survey, researchers recorded the presence of scaldfish and imperial scaldfish, warm-water flatfish species typically found in more southern waters. Squid catch rates remained elevated in specific nearshore areas, following record levels in 2023.

The findings have prompted calls from industry representatives to protect inshore nursery grounds from development.

"These results underline the need to protect valuable nursery and spawning areas from inshore developments, especially with a series of such developments at the planning stage," said Daniel Lawson, executive officer of the Shetland Fishermen's Association.