The publication details statistics on the employment, production and fish escapes from Scottish fish farms. It is structured to follow industry trends within the trout, salmon and other farmed species sectors. Some statistics are given for the 21-year period 1991-2011.
The main findings are:
Production tonnage of Atlantic salmon increased by 2.5 per cent in 2011 to 158,018 tonnes. This is the highest recorded production since 2004 and follows on from a 6.9 per cent increase in 2010.
Production tonnage of Rainbow trout decreased by 10.1 per cent in 2011 to 4,619 tonnes. This is a further reduction in production, following on from a 24 per cent decrease in 2010.
Brown trout/sea trout production increased from 53 tonnes in 2010 to 61 tonnes in 2011.
Responding to new figures, Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, said: “The year-on-year increase in both the value and production of Scottish farmed salmon is great news for the remote rural communities in the Highlands and Islands, the Scottish economy as a whole and the many suppliers to the sector whose businesses are benefitting from the salmon industry’s success.
“As it is the third successive annual increase we welcome the new Minister’s recognition of the important role that salmon farming is playing in developing and adding value to the Scottish economy.
“However, we remain intrigued to know how the proposed Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill will enable the industry’s ambitions for sustainable growth,” he added.
The survey is compiled from data collected directly from authorised fish farming companies.
