In 2012 Scottish farmed salmon production was at its highest level in nine years in 2012, reaching 162,223 metric tons (MT) produced, according to statistics from Marine Science Scotland.
The Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2012 results found total farmed salmon production increased by 2.7 percent over 2011 levels, continuing the increases seen in recent years. The farmgate value of farmed salmon reached GBP 537 million (USD 845 million, EUR 637 million).
“Scotland is world renowned for delicious, high quality and healthy farmed fish and shellfish products. We are recognized around the world for best practice in aquaculture. Salmon is our largest food export and I am pleased with the continued growth in production in 2012,” said Paul Wheelhouse, environment and climate change minister.
“The number of people working in the aquaculture industry has also increased by 5 percent with over 1,500 people across Scotland being employed, many of which are located in remote and rural communities.
“The Scottish Government fully supports the sustainable growth of the sector with due regard to the marine environment – as demonstrated in our Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013. This will enable Scotland to deliver on 2020 aquaculture sustainable growth targets as set out in the recent Marine Plan Consultation document. I look forward to engaging further with the sector and key stakeholders on the development of the sector through the Ministerial Group on Sustainable Aquaculture.”
