Commercial fish farming (aquaculture) began in Scotland in the 1970s and now produces around 150,000 tonnes annually, worth over £280 million. It is an industry that makes a vital contribution to the rural economy, especially in the western and northern isles, where many communities are literally sustained by the employment provided - about 1,500 direct jobs, with a further 4,700 downstream.
In 2005 Scottish production of salmon stood at 129,588 tonnes, followed by rainbow trout (6,989 tonnes), brown trout/seat trout (122 tonnes), halibut (272.4 tonnes), cod (69.6 tonnes) and arctic char (3 tonnes). The shellfish industry produces 4,464 tonnes.
The value of all fish exports from Scotland in 2005 was £420 million which accounts for 60% of all food exports.