Orkney Crab Ltd – Brown Crab, European Lobster, Velvet Crab – Traps Fishery
General Information
Status: Certified
Fishery code: CC-GBR-27-00001
Fishery client: Orkney Crab Ltd
Certified Date: 10 July 2026
Surveillance due date: 10 January 2029
Next Evaluation: 9 July 2031
* All fisheries are due for a re-evaluation every 5 years
Species Information
Brown Crab
European Lobster
Velvet Crab
Gear Type
TrapsCountries of operation
FAO Fishing Area: 27 (Atlantic, Northeast (Major Fishing Area 27))
Countries of operation: United Kingdom
CAB
The CAB is the body that assesses fisheries to confirm whether they are adhering to the standards set in the Community Catch fishing standard.
CAB Name
NSFAudits
| Audit Name | Status | Audit Date |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Audit | Certified | 10 July 2026 |
| Mid-term Surveillance Audit (2.5 years) | Pending | 10 January 2029 |
Documents
| Document Type | Document Date | Document Link |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Evaluation Report | 10 July 2026 | Orkney Creel Fishery Initial Evaluation Report |
| Certificate | 10 July 2026 | Orkney Creel Fishery Certificate |
| Initial Evaluation Report Summary | 10 July 2026 | Initial Evaluation Report Summary |
The Community Catch journey, told by Orkney Crab
When did it begin?
February 2022- we engaged with the Alpha trial for Community Catch and this evolved into us formally testing the standard as one of the 5 pilot fisheries in 2024. The relationship evolved out of a mutual desire to develop a seafood sustainability certification that was fit for purpose for small-scale fisheries
Why Community Catch?
As a small-scale shellfishery whose main markets have high requirements for sustainability we have always committed to local research and showcasing our practices and to this end, in 2017 we completed a full 5-year FIP and then went on to go through the full MSC process.
This resulted in the creel fishery not meeting the requirements by one point due to a regulatory framework which doesn’t allow for a regionalised response to a change in the shellfish stock status. We withdrew from this process, but we were still required by the markets to commit to a FIP even if the fishery would be unlikely to meet MSC’s requirements.
The idea and development of Community Catch has been a welcome one for the creel fishery in Orkney as it is aimed at small-scale fisheries and communities and allows our fishers to showcase their industry and be recognised for it.
What has the journey meant so far?
Community Catch has provided an opportunity for the fishery in Orkney to promote the hard work of the fishing community and allow them to achieve the recognition that they deserve.
The journey so far has enabled Orkney Crab as a processor to support the local fishery and promote their commitment to catching sustainable shellfish. This in turn will strengthen relationships and community resilience for our local industry and in turn strengthen the provenance of Orkney Shellfish.
The fact that we are the first Community Catch fishery in the world to become certified is an incredible achievement and something that this fishery wholeheartedly deserves.
A small-scale Orkney creel fishery with global recognition
Orkney Crab's story is about a local shellfish community, careful creel fishing, market expectations and the search for a certification pathway that properly reflects the realities of small-scale fisheries. Community Catch has provided an opportunity to recognise the fishing community's work and present Orkney shellfish with stronger provenance, credibility and pride.
People, place and Orkney Crab
Orkney Crab connects local fishers, processing and markets from the heart of the islands. The fishery is part of Orkney's coastal economy and identity, and the Community Catch journey helps make the people behind the shellfish more visible.
Creel fishing and product quality
Fishers work with creels, a passive fishing method suited to high-quality shellfish and careful handling. The fishery's commitment to local research and responsible practice has been important in demonstrating its sustainability story to demanding markets.
Recognition for a small-scale fishery
Community Catch has been a welcome opportunity because it is designed for small-scale fisheries and fishing communities. It allows Orkney's fishers to showcase their industry and receive recognition for the responsible practices they have maintained and developed.
Resilience, provenance and opportunity
For Orkney Crab, this journey strengthens relationships across the local industry and reinforces the provenance of Orkney shellfish. Being the first fishery in the world to gain Community Catch certification is a major achievement for the fishers, Orkney Crab and the wider island seafood community.
“I am truly passionate about the shellfish industry and am exceptionally proud and honoured that Orkney Crab has played a significant role in helping to get Community Catch recognition for the Orkney creel fishery, and of course, for Orkney Crab Ltd. To be first in the world to have gained accreditation to this Standard is an exceptional feat for all the Orkney fishermen and an amazing achievement for us.
It is also a tremendous opportunity to continue to promote the outstanding world-wide brand recognition that Orkney has. We look forward with excitement to exploring the potential new opportunities this accreditation could bring to all Orkney stakeholders.”
— Paul Knight, Orkney Crab Ltd – Managing Director
Fishery in pictures
Onboard handling and catch care
Fishing vessel at sea in Orkney
European lobster from the fishery
Velvet crab from the fishery
Contact Details
Fishery Contact Details
Garson Food Park
Stromness
Orkney
United Kingdom
KW16 3BL
CAB Contact Details
Quayside Business Park,
Mill Street,
Dundalk,
Co Louth,
A91 N73F,
Ireland