Significant increase in salmon farming jobs in the last two years

Speaking at an event hosted by the Tayside and Fife branch of the British Science Association at Dundee University last night (Tuesday), Dr John Webster, technical director of the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, said that employment in the salmon farming industry increased by 15 per cent in 2010 and, when official figures for 2011 are confirmed later this month, they are expected to show another healthy increase, bringing the total number of jobs created to over 400 during the last two years.

In his talk, titled 'Fish Farming: How to Grow Fish for Your Supper', Dr Webster reported the increase in employment and the rise in demand for salmon has been helped by sustained investment in new technologies. He also provided an insight into the evolution of technology and the key areas of industry research and development.

Over £150million has been invested over the last five years alone and significant further investment is planned for 2012, including the opening of a multi-million pound processing facility in Rosyth later this year.