At Orkney Crab we are committed to sourcing our produce from those who operate to the highest standards of welfare and environmentally friendly practices. To this end we employ our own in-house sustainability officer who is responsible for facilitating the Orkney Crab Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) and in 2024 engaged with Community Catch in a promising trial of their new standard. 

Community Catch Initiative

The Orkney creel fishery has become the first fishery in the world to be recognised and certified against the Community Catch Standard for Small Scale Fisheries, marking a landmark moment for responsible, transparent and community-led seafood sourcing.  The certification was awarded following an independent third-party assessment by NSF, the global certification and assurance organisation. The achievement will be celebrated at a special event on July 10 th 2026 in the capital Kirkwall, bringing together fishers, seafood businesses, community representatives, sustainability leaders, policymakers and media, to recognise the people and partnerships behind this global first. Guests will hear from those directly involved in achieving the certification and learn how the Community Catch model can inspire similar initiatives around the world. You are warmly invited to join us for this special celebration.
Community Catch certification recognises organisations that demonstrate strong standards in responsible sourcing, traceability, labour rights, community benefit and stewardship of marine resources. By securing the certification, Orkney creel fishery is setting a new benchmark for how seafood can be harvested, handled and celebrated in a way that supports both people and place.
The Community Catch Standard, which was launched in May 2025, is specifically developed for small-scale fisheries, because in promoting sustainable practices that help to maintain fish populations, promote crew welfare and protect marine ecosystems, it empowers communities to connect to new markets that historically may have been out of reach.

Read more here.

Animal Welfare

As part of Orkney Crab’s commitment to Animal Welfare, we are delighted to share that following the release of the recent Crustacean Compassion ‘Snapshot’ Orkney Crab have been given a tier 2 ranking for our animal welfare policy and promotion of decapod welfare throughout our supply chain.

Orkney Crab is committed to maintaining the highest standards, with clear policies and best-in-class practices at the heart of everything we do. We will continue to build on this commitment, as it underpins our business and our passion for producing exceptional shellfish.