The ex-farm value of Shetland’s farmed salmon output is projected to top EUR 145 million this year, up from EUR 126 million in 2009, Shetland Aquaculture announced on Tuesday.
The forecast follows commitments from producers to continue to invest in the industry, including an EUR 5.1 million investment in South West Shetland, to help meet increasing demand for salmon.
In addition, Scottish Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham will tour the islands from 16 to 18 August to view the investments.
“Our aquaculture industry presents a huge opportunity for Shetland and for Scotland as a whole. The significant investment and efforts of salmon farming companies in Shetland demonstrate confidence in the prospects for this iconic Scottish product,” said Cunningham.
“A responsible and well-managed aquaculture industry is critical to Scotland’s economic success and salmon farms in Shetland now offer a beacon for the economy of our remote and rural communities,” she added.
The farmed salmon industry generates more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in Shetland. With a working population of 10,000, this accounts for more than 10 percent of the workforce, making it the largest private sector employer on the islands. Representing more than 30 percent of all farmed salmon grown in the United Kingdom, Shetland is also the country’s largest salmon-producing region.
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