Scottish salmon production increased by 3% last year

Production of Atlantic salmon in Scotland increased by 5,836 tonnes (3%) to 197,836 tonnes (wet weight) last year, according to figures in the Scottish Government’s Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2025.

The increase was driven by higher harvest weights and increased production of both grilse (one sea winter) and year 2 salmon.

The survival to harvest rate for the 2023 Atlantic salmon year class increased by seven percentage points to 68.8%, compared with 61.8% for the 2022 year class, although it was still lower than in five of the six years before that.

The anti-salmon farming Green Britain Foundation, funded by vegan multi-millionaire Dale Vince, said that percentage meant that "15 million fish never made it to harvest". 

Trade body Salmon Scotland pointed out that farmed salmon spend around 18 months in the sea and that the survival-to-harvest figures in the report therefore lag behind more recent sector data.

Monthly survival rates in 2025 averaged 98.3%, and survival rates remain close to record highs, with average monthly survival of 99.05% in the first seven months of 2026, compared with 99.07% over the same period in 2025, said Salmon Scotland.

Bigger sites

Today's survey report, compiled from responses to questionnaires from Scottish fish farming companies, reports that the trend towards concentrating Atlantic salmon production in larger sites was maintained, with 91% of production being concentrated in sites producing more than 1,000 tonnes per annum. 

Production in 2026, based on stocks currently being on-grown, is estimated to be 199,200 tonnes.

The total number of staff directly employed in salmon production in seawater in 2025 was 1,410, an increase of 48 people (4%) compared with 2024. These staffing figures do not include staff involved in processing or marketing activities.

Overall, there was a slight decrease in productivity, in tonnes produced per person, from 141 to 140.

Smolts

The total number of smolts produced in 2025 increased significantly, by 8.9 million (20%) to 53.5 million, of which 51% were produced as S½ smolts and 49% as S1 smolts.

There was also an increase in the number of ova produced to 63.7 million, and the number of ova laid down to hatch increased by 1% to 90.5 million. Last year saw 43% of ova being imported, with the remaining 57% being derived from GB broodstock (an increase of 40% on the 2024 figure).

The number of staff directly employed on freshwater sites increased by 39 (14%) in 2025 to 319, while productivity increased to 167,567 smolts per person. Projections for 2026 suggest that more smolts will be produced than in 2025, followed by a further increase in 2027.

Strong demand

Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott said: “These figures are another vote of confidence in Scottish salmon, with production up by 3% as our farmers respond to strong demand at home and growing interest in markets around the world.

“Employment is also up again, underlining the importance of salmon farming to Scotland’s rural and coastal communities. These are high-quality, well-paid jobs which help sustain local economies and enable communities to thrive.

“Our producers are continuing to invest for the future, helping ensure Scotland can meet growing demand at home and overseas while supporting the communities where salmon farming matters most.”

Rainbow trout

Production of rainbow trout decreased by 4,579 tonnes (56%) to 3,592 tonnes, largely due to rainbow trout producer Dawnfresh Farming being acquired by salmon producer Mowi Scotland which has repurposed some Dawnfresh sites for Atlantic salmon smolt and post-smolt production.

The overall number of staff employed by the rainbow trout sector decreased by 18 people (17%) to 88, although some will have moved into the Atlantic salmon sector.