NESFO was formed in 1980 and was registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1965, on 9 May 1980. NESFO is a Producers' (Catchers') Organisation set up under legislation of the EU's Common Fishery Policy, to assist members as catchers and producers of fish within the economic area for which it is "recognized" by the EU - Peterhead to Avoch.
The Organisation currently has 43 member vessels and is actively engaged in improving their operational environment and their overall efficiency through improved marketing and securing additional quotas. The main species targeted by NESFO members are haddock, whiting, saithe, monks, megrim, cod; the main fishing methods are pair trawl, seine net and twin trawl. The bulk of the fish landed is taken in the North Sea with lesser amounts coming from the West of Scotland area and Faeroe.