Scottish salmon production highest since 2003

Siri Elise Dydal

The farmgate value of farmed salmon was £537 million last year. The rise in production of 2.7 per cent from 2011 continues the increases over recent years. This was achieved as global salmon prices fell sharply from the final quarter of 2011 and remained subdued through 2012. Current prices have been regaining ground since the final quarter of 2012 although they are still below the peaks of 2011.

The number of people working in the aquaculture industry has also increased by 5 per cent with over 1,500 people across Scotland being employed, many of which are located in remote and rural communities.

“Scotland is world renowned for delicious, high quality and healthy farmed fish and shellfish products. We are recognised around the world for best practice in aquaculture. Salmon is our largest food export and I am pleased with the continued growth in production in 2012,” Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse commented.

He said the Scottish Government fully supports the sustainable growth of the sector with due regard to the marine environment – as demonstrated in the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013.

“This will enable Scotland to deliver on 2020 aquaculture sustainable growth targets as set out in the recent Marine Plan Consultation document. I look forward to engaging further with the sector and key stakeholders on the development of the sector through the Ministerial Group on Sustainable Aquaculture.”