The first sale value of Scotland’s shellfish industry increased by 18 percent to GBP 10.5 million (EUR 14.4 million; USD 16.4 million) in 2014, according to a new survey published by the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2014 also shows the country produced 7,683 metric tons (MT) of mussels last year, which was the highest volume on record. Meanwhile, its Pacific oyster production increased by 9 percent year-on-year to 6,792,000 shells.
“The aquaculture industry supports employment and the economic wellbeing of many fragile rural communities across Scotland. These latest figures also show employment levels in the shellfish industry have increased by 4 percent in 2014,” said Dr. Aileen McLeod, Scottish Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform.
“The Scottish shellfish industry has great potential and the sector is entering a significant period. The Shellfish Working Group has published an exciting program of work, which includes a commitment to produce an industry-owned strategy for growth for the sector as well as supporting proposals for a Scottish shellfish hatchery.”
