Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2025

Summary

• In 2025, 12,303 tonnes of common mussel were produced for the table market. This represents the highest level of common mussel production recorded in Scotland.
• Pacific oyster shells production for the table market amounted to 2.5 million shells in 2025.
• Common mussel and Pacific oyster continued to be the main species produced, both in terms of tonnage and value.
• Production of common mussels and Pacific oyster each increased by 5% compared with 2024.
• Native oyster production decreased by 7% from 170,000 shells to 158,000 shells in 2025.
• King scallop production increased by 4%, from 23,000 shells to 24,000 shells in 2025. Production of queen scallops is not reported due to low levels of production and a small number of producers.
• The number of common mussel production sites with sufficient spat settlement increased by 15% from 97 sites to 112 sites in 2025.
• Employment decreased by 6% compared with the previous year, with 227 full-time, part-time and casual staff employed within the sector during 2025.
• The first sale value of the Scottish shellfish farming sector was estimated at £15.1 million, representing an 8% increase of compared with 2024.
• For shellfish health purposes, 110 out of 272 sites were inspected during 2025 under a risk-based surveillance programme. Further details can be found at Marine Directorate, Fish Health Inspectorate, Surveillance Programme - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).
• Movement restrictions remain in place for the presence of Bonamia ostreae at Loch Sunart and the Dornoch Firth in Highland region, West Loch Tarbert and Lynn of Lorne, Loch Creran and Loch Etive in Strathclyde region.
• Great Britain maintained disease free status with regard to Bonamia ostreae, Marteilia refringens and ostreid herpesvirus-1 microvariant (OsHV-1 µvar), with the exception of specific compartments under movement restrictions. Any increased unexplained mortality at farm sites must be reported immediately to Marine Directorate, Fish Health Inspectorate (see Enquiries, page 30).