Statistics published on Monday showed that last year 158,018 metric tons was produced with a value of GBP 584.7 million — a year-on-year increase of 5.6 percent taking account of inflation.
The rise in production of 2.5 percent in 2011 follows steady increases over recent years.
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 1500 people, while many more jobs are underpinned by aquaculture indirectly.
