Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2014

// PRODUCTION

The survey indicates that the shellfish species cultivated in Scottish waters in 2014 were:

Production was dominated by mussel and Pacific oyster, although small quantities of scallop, queen scallop (queen) and native oyster were also produced. The 2014 production data for each species by region are given in Table 1.

TABLE 1 SCOTTISH SHELLFISH PRODUCTION BY REGION, 2014.

NB: THIS REPORT LISTS REGIONS WITH ACTIVE SHELLFISH FARMS OPERATED BY AUTHORISED AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION BUSINESSES.

CONVERSION TO WEIGHT USED THE FOLLOWING ASSUMPTIONS (BASED ON INDUSTRY FIGURES): INDIVIDUAL OYSTERS AVERAGED 80g; INDIVIDUAL SCALLOPS AVERAGED 120g; INDIVIDUAL QUEENS AVERAGED 40g.

TABLE = SALES DIRECTLY FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION;
ON-GROWING = SALES TO OTHER BUSINESSES FOR ON-GROWING.

Table production by species is illustrated in Figure 1 ( see page 4), while trends in production for the table market and on-growing in Scotland are presented in Table 2.

TABLE 2 TRENDS IN PRODUCTION DATA FOR THE TABLE AND ON-GROWING 2005-2014.

Mussel production, for the table, increased by 14% in 2014 ( see figure 1) to 7,683 tonnes. This is the highest level of mussel production ever recorded in Scotland. The greatest contribution in regional mussel production was from Shetland, accounting for 5,919 tonnes or 77% of Scotland's total. Pacific oyster production increased by 79% from 2013. Following a drop in production in 2013, production has returned to a similar level as seen in previous years. This is mainly due to one of the largest pacific oyster producers developing new markets domestically and outwith Great Britain. The Strathclyde region produced 58% of Scotland's farmed Pacific oysters. Queen scallop production fell by 45% since 2013, a contributing factor was reported as poor spat settlement, while the production of farmed scallops increased by 20%. Both these sectors continue to target small niche markets. Production of native oysters decreased by 7% from 2013. Native oyster production accounts for a small percentage of total oyster production, however, demand for this species continues to be high.

FIGURE 1 TABLE PRODUCTION BY SPECIES 2005-2014.

Prices of farmed shellfish fluctuated throughout the year. Their value at first sale was estimated from the following figures (supplied by industry these vary with demand, level of production and geographical area of origin). The average price of Pacific oyster was £0.33 per shell; native oyster, £0.60 per shell; scallop, £1.29 per shell; queen scallop, £0.15 per shell and mussels £1200 per tonne. The value of the table trade is estimated from the production figures shown in Table 1 ( see page 2).

Mussel: £9.2 million
Pacific oyster: £1.1 million
Native oyster: £0.15 million
Scallop: £0.06 million
Queen: £0.003 million

The 2014 total value, at first sale for all species, was estimated at approximately £10.5 million, increase from £8.9 million in 2013.