Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2019

This report is based on the returns of an annual survey questionnaire sent to all active authorised shellfish farming businesses in Scotland. Statistics on employment, production and value of shellfish from Scottish shellfish farms are presented.


Summary

  • In 2019, 6,699 tonnes of mussels were produced for the table market;
  • Mussel and Pacific oyster remain the main species produced in terms of value and tonnage. Mussel production decreased by 3% and Pacific oyster production increased by 14% during 2019;
  • During 2019, over 2.5 million Pacific oyster shells were produced for on-growing showing that markets both home and abroad are well established;
  • Queen scallop production figures were not able to be updated for 2019. There was a decrease in scallop production, from 31,000 to 26,000 shells, since 2018;
  • There was a decrease in the production of native oyster from 142,000 to 103,000 shells in 2019. This sector continues to target a strong niche market;
  • Employment levels decreased by 7% from the previous year, with 277 full, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2019.
  • The Scottish shellfish farming industry is estimated to be worth approximately £7.9 million at first sale value, a decrease of 17% on the 2018 figure.
  • Active surveillance for bonamiasis, marteiliasis and OsHV-1 µvar continued in 2019;
  • For shellfish health purposes, 59 out of 329 sites were inspected during 2019 as part of a risk based surveillance programme implemented under Council Directive 2006/88/EC. Details of this can be found at https://www.gov.scot/policies/fish-health-inspectorate/surveillance-programme/;
  • Movement restrictions remain in place for the presence of Bonamia ostreae at Loch Sunart, Highland and West Loch Tarbert, Argyll;
  • Movement restrictions for Bonamia ostreae were placed on the Dornoch Firth, Highland and an area covering the Lynn of Lorne, Loch Creran and Loch Etive, Strathclyde;
  • The UK maintained disease free status with regard to bonamiasis, marteiliasis and OsHV-1 µvar, with the exception of specific compartments under movement restrictions. Immediate notification of increased mortality on farm sites must be reported to Marine Scotland Science, Fish Health Inspectorate (see Contact details).

Contact

Email: lorna.munro@gov.scot

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