Production
The third largest producer of farmed salmon in the world.
At 158,018 tonnes, Scottish salmon production in 2011 was worth £584.7 million. The rise in production of 2.5 per cent in 2011 follows steady increases over recent years.
Commenting on the Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2011, Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said:
“Scotland has a world renowned reputation for high quality, delicious and healthy farmed fish and shellfish. Salmon is our largest food export and I welcome the continued growth in production and value in 2011.
“Fish farming is a key food sector for Scotland, providing an important contribution to the economy – particularly in remote and rural communities in the west coast and Northern Isles. The industry employs almost 1,500 people, while many more jobs are underpinned by aquaculture indirectly.
“We support the industry’s ambitions for sustainable growth – as demonstrated by our intention to bring forward an Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill – and we are working with them to keep the focus on minimising the impact on the marine environment and adopting best practices. More than 60 per cent of Scottish farmed salmon now has the RSPCA’s Freedom Foods accreditation, which is a great endorsement and selling point.”
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SCOTTISH SALMON PRODUCTION 1989-2010
(tonnes WFE)
| 1989 |
28,553 |
2000 |
128,959 |
| 1990 |
32,351 |
2001 |
138,519 |
| 1991 |
40,593 |
2002 |
144,589 |
| 1992 |
36,101 |
2003 |
169,736 |
| 1993 |
48,691 |
2004 |
158,099 |
| 1994 |
64,066 |
2005 |
129,588 |
| 1995 |
70,060 |
2006 |
131,847 |
| 1996 |
83,121 |
2007 |
129,930 |
| 1997 |
99,197 |
2008 |
128,606 |
| 1998 |
110,784 |
2009 |
144,247 |
| 1999 |
126,686 |
2010 |
154,164 |
(source: Scottish Fish Farms Annual Production Survey 2010 - Marine Scotland Science)
In line with the expanding markets, the Scottish salmon industry plans to increase production by an average of 3-5% per annum over the next five years. This sustainable industry growth will be accompanied by developments in farming systems and equipment designs, including new technology which will allow farms to operate further offshore. This will involve substantial industry investment and the creation of jobs in remote areas of the Highlands and Islands.