Innovation on Scottish salmon menu

The Scottish salmon farming industry must increasingly innovate to retain its position as one of the leading players in the global market for farmed seafood, Sid Patten, chief executive of Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO), told the Sunday Herald recently.

Patten made the remarks after the Bush administration announced during the recent International Boston Seafood Show that it wants to expand the farming of salmon, shellfish and saltwater species in its federal waters.

He said: “The proposal from the Bush administration has the potential to benefit many individuals and the USA economy greatly. To continue to bring the huge economic benefits of the rapidly growing salmon market to Scotland plc, the regulatory framework must be improved in order to attract further investment.”

To view the Sunday Herald article titled ‘Salmon industry calls for easing of farming restrictions’ in full, click here.

Notes:

1. Earlier this month (2nd March 2007) the SSPO reported that the Scottish salmon farming industry injects in excess of £197 million per annum into businesses in Scotland, with suppliers located in the Highlands and Islands the most significant beneficiaries, netting some £149 million per annum. When these ‘indirect’ benefits are combined with the direct benefits of employment in hatcheries, smolt production and farms, the overall benefits to the Highlands and Islands, Scotland and further afield are even greater.

2. In September 2006 a report from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reported that the aquaculture industry accounts for 43% of fish consumed by people. In 1980 the figure was only 9%. The FAO estimates that an additional 40 million tons of fish will be required by 2030 just to maintain current levels of consumption.

3. The increase in consumption of salmon in the UK has been unprecedented: fresh salmon meals have increased from 314 million in 2004 to 357 million in 2006 – over 1 million fresh salmon meals are enjoyed every day in the UK; smoked salmon portions have increased from 42.8 million in 2004 to 59.4 million in 2006 – over 1 million portions of smoked salmon are enjoyed every week.

For further information contact Ken Hughes, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, +44 (0)1738 587 000 / 006 or 07974 173739.

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