Mussel farming. (Photo: Stock File)
Aquaculture continues growing in Scotland
UNITED KINGDOM
Tuesday, June 27, 2017, 23:20 (GMT + 9)
New research commissioned by the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) determined that fish and shellfish farming contributes GBP 620 million to Scotland's economy every year.
According to the research, aquaculture production has increased by a third in the ten years to 2015, from 142,000 to 188,000 tonnes.
Atlantic salmon production accounts for 90 per cent of all economic impact, supporting 10,340 full-time equivalent jobs and generating GBP 540 million in gross value added (GVA).
The study also considers that the contribution of other fish and shellfish species like trout, mussels and oysters.
“These figures are good news for Scottish aquaculture and show the significant social contributions the industry makes to remote rural, island and coastal areas by supporting high-skilled jobs, diversifying and protecting communities,” Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing stressed.
For her part, Charlotte Wright, Chief Executive at HIE, commented: “HIE has supported the aquaculture industry since its inception and we are pleased to have led on this research along with Marine Scotland.”
In her view, this vitally important industry, including the supply chain, provides much needed job opportunities across Scotland. The report underlines how important these jobs are for rural communities and it also shows that the benefits are felt right across Scotland.
“We welcome the report’s findings which both highlight the significant growth opportunities, and confirm the challenges that must be overcome to realise industry ambitions. The research shows that there is capacity for growth in the industry and we look forward to working with them to achieve this,” Wright added.
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