MORE than 9,000 new jobs are promised as part of a strategy to double Scotland’s aquaculture sector by 2030.
The sector takes in fish farming, mussel production, seaweed harvest and other related industries.
But while it currently produced the country’s top food export – salmon – and has contributed £1.8 billion to the economy this year, major players say it is falling behind international competition.
Now plans have been drawn up to double its annual worth to £3.6b and make Scotland a “global leader” within less than 15 years.
The strategy relies on three key recommendations, including the creation of a new industry leadership group to help companies and government work together to deliver growth.
Others include stripping regulator Marine Scotland of its industry development role and trialling “cutting edge equipment, technology and fish health strategies”. Drawn up by a working group including the Scottish Salmon Producers Association, wholesaler Aquascot, Highland Council and the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers, the “ambitious” plan is being launched today.
Co-chair Stewart Graham, group managing director of marine engineers Gael Force Group, said: “This new strategy reflects the industry’s ambition to drive sustainable growth and for Scotland to be a world leader in aquaculture.
“We have developed a roadmap to 2030 which can make a transformational impact on Scotland’s economy and our rural communities.”
Currently around 170,000 tonnes of salmon is produced on Scottish farms every year, making for export sales worth £450 million.
The country is the world’s third largest producer of the foodstuff, behind Norway and Chile, but its global market share has slipped by around 50 per cent over the past 20 years as it failed to match competitors’ growth.
Meanwhile, the country’s shellfish production amounts to around 8,000 tonnes a year, which the strategy aims to increase by 21,000 tonnes, with the salmon yield growing to 350,000 tonnes.
If delivered, this could see the workforce rise from 8,800 to 18,000.
Graham said: “The real work begins now and we want to forge a new partnership between the industry, government and its agencies to unlock the full potential of sustainably farming Scotland’s seas.
“The creation of a new industry leadership group to reflect that collaborative partnership will be a critical first step. The strategy must act a catalyst to drive growth throughout the aquaculture supply chain through innovation, skills development and investment, and by ensuring we have proportionate and enabling regulation which balances economic growth and environmental sustainability.”
The launch coincides with the Scottish Government’s finfish summit in Fort William.
Economy and Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Aquaculture is one of our real economic success stories of recent years, with the industry on track to grow to a value of well over £2 billion annually to the Scottish economy by 2020, supporting 10,000 jobs.
“I am committed to supporting development in this key sector as part of my determination to build growth in all parts of the rural economy. I warmly welcome the Vision 2030 Group’s report which is a strong signal of business confidence and highlights the significant further potential in the sector. The Scottish Government will now work with the industry to consider their detailed proposals and I have agreed to establish an industry leadership group to help take that forward.”
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