New hatchery on Shetland in 2012

Siri Elise Dybdal 

The Shetland Isles, which produce 30 per cent of salmon in the UK, is estimated to be producing 40,000 tonnes of Shetland salmon in 2012 - roughly the same as in the current year, according to David Sandison, general manager, Shetland Aquaculture.

Mr Sandison says there is still a process of reorganisation taking place in the islands, with production now geared towards single year class farming areas.

“A large amount of investment in recent years has now come through into reality with new cage systems, feed systems and workboats”, he adds.

He says a significant investment by Grieg Seafood Hjaltland in a new hatchery will also bring a much needed boost to on island smolt production. 

For 2012, Mr Sandison says it will be important to stimulate new markets:

“The market outlook has changed sharply in late 2011 and the challenge will be to further stimulate new markets and bring about a balance globally in supply and demand. 

“There are still familiar biological challenges for producers in the islands and work will continue on coordinating activity between farming areas to manage these challenges effectively,” he explains.