Scots farmed salmon production highest since 2003

FARMED salmon production in Scotland soared last year to its highest level since 2003.

162,223 tonnes of salmon was produced in 2012. Picture: Getty

• 162, 223 tonnes of salmon was produced in 2012

• Total production was 2.7 per cent up on the previous year

• Production was its highest for nine years

The Scottish Government today announced that a total of 162, 223 tonnes of salmon was produced in 2012 in a £537 million boost for the Scottish economy.

The total production was 2.7 per cent up on the previous year and the highest for nine years.

Paul Wheelhouse, the Scottish Environment and Climate Change Minister, said: “Scotland is world renowned for delicious, high quality and healthy farmed fish and shellfish products. We are recognised around the world for best practice in aquaculture. Salmon is our largest food export and I am pleased with the continued growth in production in 2012. “

He continued: “The number of people working in the aquaculture industry has also increased by five per cent with over 1,500 people across Scotland being employed, many of which are located in remote and rural communities.

“The Scottish Government fully supports the sustainable growth of the sector with due regard to the marine environment – as demonstrated in our Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013. This will enable Scotland to deliver on 2020 aquaculture sustainable growth targets as set out in the recent Marine Plan Consultation document. I look forward to engaging further with the sector and key stakeholders on the development of the sector through the Ministerial Group on Sustainable Aquaculture.”