This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Growth in shellfish industry
13/04/2005
New figures published today show that Scotland's
shellfish industry expanded last year by almost 15 per
cent.
Speaking at the Aquaculture Today conference in
Edinburgh, Deputy Environment and Rural Development
Minister Lewis Macdonald said:
"Aquaculture in Scotland, although a relatively new
commercial activity, is of vital importance to the
continued development of our rural and island communities
and their economies.
"The Scottish Executive has made the sustainable
development of the aquaculture industry one of its key
priorities.
"The survey I am publishing today gives evidence of the
continuing growth of the shellfish industry. The market for
this small but vibrant industry is buoyant and it is
predicted that annual production of all shellfish species
will continue to increase steadily in the long-term."
The key points from the survey are:
- Overall production increased by almost 15% from
3,991 tonnes in 2003 to 4,578 tonnes in 2004. The
continuing upward trend in production is almost
entirely due to strong growth in the mussel
sector;
- The greatest increase in regional mussel production
was in Shetland, by more than 41% in the last year to
2,193 tonnes;
- Employment increased by 12%. This reflects the
ongoing trend in the development of new sites, and
businesses particularly for mussel production;
- The industry continues to be dominated by small
producers although there is a continued trend toward
large companies contributing significantly to the
annual production of all species; 11 companies have
produced 60 per cent of the mussels;
- The market for all species was buoyant and prices
remained stable throughout the year. It is predicted
that annual production of all species will continue to
increase steadily in the long-term.
The 2004 Scottish Shellfish Farming Production Survey
can be found at
http://www.frs-scotland.gov.uk/
The Aquaculture Today conference is being held in the
Edinburgh Marriott Hotel on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14
April.