Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2016

Statistics on the employment, production and value of shellfish from Scottish Shellfish Farms.

Marine Scotland Science today published the Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2016. The publication details statistics on the employment, production and value of shellfish from Scottish Shellfish Farms. It is structured to follow industry trends within the mussel, Pacific oyster, native oyster, queen scallop and scallop species sectors. Some statistics are given for the 10-year period 2007-2016.

The main findings are;

  • Production tonnage of mussels increased by 6% from 7,270 tonnes in 2015 to 7,732 tonnes in 2016. This is the highest level of mussel production ever recorded in Scotland.
  • Production of Pacific oyster shells increased by 31% from the 2015 total. Additionally, 4.6 million shells were produced for on-growing in other waters.
  • Employment levels decreased by 8% from 2015, with 315 full, part-time and casual staff employed in 2016.

Overall estimated value of the industry was calculated to be approximately £11.7 million in 2016.

For more information, see the full statistical publication.

The survey is compiled from data collected directly from authorised shellfish farming companies.

Official statistics are produced by professionally independent staff. More information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland.

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