Shellfish Production

23 May 2016 11:37 AM

Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2015.

Marine Scotland Science yesterday published the Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2015. The publication details statistics on the employment, production and value of shellfish from Scottish Shellfish Farms. It is structured to follow industry trends within the mussel, Pacific oyster, native oyster, queen scallop and scallop species sectors. Some statistics are given for the 10-year period 2006-2015.

The main findings are:

• Production tonnage of mussels dropped by 5% from 7,683 tonnes in 2014 to 7,270 tonnes in 2015. This is the second highest level of mussel production recorded in Scotland.
• Production of Pacific oyster shells decreased by 21% from the 2014 total. Additionally, over 5 million shells were produced for on-growing in other waters.
• Employment levels decreased by 0.3% from 2014, with 344 full, part-time and casual staff employed in 2015.
• Overall estimated value of the industry was calculated to be approximately £10.1 million in 2015.

Notes To Editors

The full statistical publication can be accessed at: www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Fish-Shellfish/FHI/surveys

The survey is compiled from data collected directly from authorised shellfish farming companies.

Official statistics are produced by professionally independent staff – more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/About