Production figures expected to rise again
The news follows the Scottish government’s publication of the 2014 figures earlier this week, which revealed growth across much of the finfish industry and have been welcomed by the head of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO).
Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive of the SSPO, told Fish Farming Expert: “The industry’s success is founded on responsible management of its farming operations, staff training and development and the quality of the salmon it produces. This has led to increased production tonnage and continued worldwide demand for Scottish salmon.
"The industry benefits from long term strategic support from the Scottish Government which lends recognition, support and security to the people and communities that depend on salmon farming. Scottish salmon retains its premium status on menus around the world and while market conditions may change from time to time we want to see the industry grow in order to safeguard return on investment to benefit the Scottish economy and the people who work to make the industry the success it is today."
Freshwater production
In 2014, freshwater production was undertaken by 26 businesses at 96 sites. The number of businesses operating decreased by one and the number of active sites decreased by six from 2013.
The total number of smolts produced in 2014 increased by 4,547,000 (11.2%). The number of ova laid down to hatch increased by 6.4% to 70.8 million with the majority of these (75.8%) being derived from foreign sources. The ratio of ova laid down to smolts produced remained at 1.6. There were no ova exported in 2014.
The number of staff employed at freshwater sites increased by 24 to 309 persons, 244 full time and 65 part time.
Marine sites
In marine sites, production was undertaken by 18 businesses farming 260 active sites. This is a decrease of three businesses and an increase of three active sites compared with 2013.
Total production during 2014 was 179,022 tonnes, representing an increase of 15,788 tonnes (9.7%) on the 2013 figure. This is the highest ever level of production recorded in Scotland.
The total number of staff in marine salmon production in 2014 increased by 145 to 1,325. Full time staff increased by 110 to 1,191 whilst part time staffing increased by 35 to 134.
Trout
In 2014, rainbow trout production was carried out by 24 businesses operating 46 active sites, this was the same as in 2013.
Total production in 2014 increased by 271 tonnes (4.8%) to 5,882 tonnes. There was an increase in table trade (6.5%) but a decrease restocking trade (9.2%) compared with 2013.
The number of ova laid down to hatch increased by 1,151,000 (11.6%) on the 2013 figure to 11,040,000. The proportion of ova from GB broodstock decreased to 6.0% of the total sourced. The number of fish imported to Scotland from outwith GB was 674,000. representing an increase of 137,000 compared with 2013.
The number of staff employed in 2014 increased by three to 113 persons. The number of full time staff increased by four whilst part time staff decreased by one. Productivity, measured as tonnes produced per person, increased by 2.2% to 52.1.
Other species
There has been a continued interest in the diversification of aquaculture. In 2014, the main other species produced were brown/sea trout, which increased by four tonnes to 48 tonnes, and halibut which increased by 10 tonnes to 66 tonnes.
Production estimates forecast an increase in brown/sea trout (37.5%) and halibut (51.5%) in 2015.
In 2014, lumpsucker and various species of wrasse were cultured for use as a biological control for parasites in the marine Atlantic salmon industry, with 1 million and 10.2 million ova being laid down to hatch respectively.
Staff numbers in 2014 decreased by one to 49 persons.
