FISH and shellfish farming contributes £620 million to the Scottish economy every year, new research has shown, with the industry now supporting more than 12,000 jobs.
Scottish aquaculture production increased by a third in the 10 years to 2015, from 142,000 tonnes to 188,000 tonnes, according to a study commissioned by Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Atlantic salmon production accounts for 90 per cent of all economic impact, supporting 10,340 full-time equivalent jobs and generating £540m in gross value added (GVA).
The contribution of other fish and shellfish species such as trout, mussels and oysters is also considered as part of the study, which was also commissioned to help understand the challenges and opportunities relating to the sector’s ambitious growth plans.
Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy Fergus Ewing said: “These figures show the significant social contributions the industry makes to remote rural, island and coastal areas by supporting high-skilled jobs, diversifying and protecting communities. The research will inform how we continue to grow the industry in a sustainable way, including through the work of the Aquaculture Industry Leadership Group.”
Charlotte Wright, chief executive of HIE, said: “HIE has supported the aquaculture industry since its inception and we are pleased to have led on this research along with Marine Scotland. This vitally important industry, including the supply chain, provides much-needed job opportunities across Scotland “The report underlines how important these jobs are for rural communities and shows the benefits are felt right across Scotland. It shows there is capacity for growth in the industry and we look forward to working with it to achieve this.”
Stewart Graham, co-chair of the Aquaculture Industry Leadership Group said: “This study confirms that the economic and social impact of aquaculture in Scotland is even greater than previous reports had shown, with 12,000 jobs currently dependent on the sector.
“It also confirms the opportunities which need to be grasped and the challenges which need to be overcome, as set out in our 2030 industry strategy, have been clearly identified. With full stakeholder alignment and collaboration, I am, confident we will deliver on our ambitious growth targets. ”
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