sh aquaculture industry “provides considerable benefits for a fragile economy,” according to an independent report commissioned by Marine Scotland and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise.The report, published by Imani and SRSL, states that the industry contributes up to GBP 1.4 billion (USD 2.4 billion, EUR 1.2 billion) to the Scottish economy and — if the 2020 production target of 223,000 metric tons (MT) is met — it could have a value of GBP 2 billion (USD 3.4 billion, EUR 2.5 billion) to the Scottish economy and support 10,000 jobs.Direct production al one contributed a turnover of at least GBP 550 million (USD 926 million, EUR 677 million) to the Scottish economy and supported 2,800 jobs in 2012.
According to the report, significant improvements have been made to the environmental impact of the industry and compares well with other animal protein industries.
“I am pleased to note the environmental improvements made by the industry in recent years which is very important as we work together towards the 2020 targets to grow the industry with due regard for the environment,” said Paul Wheelhouse, environment and climate change minister.
“Scotland has a global reputation as a land synonymous with quality, healthy and highly demanded seafood which is farmed to high standards of best practice, welfare and food hygiene in our pristine Scottish waters. The demand for our high quality Scottish salmon remains high. 2013 was another record year with exports of fresh Scottish salmon worth GBP 454 million (USD 765 million, EUR 558 million) up 31 percent in real terms.”
