Scottish shellfish farm production survey 2018

Marine Scotland Science today published the Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2018. 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 2009-2018. 

The main findings are:

• Overall estimated first sale value of the industry was calculated to be approximately £9.5 million in 2018
• Table production tonnage of mussels decreased by 16% from 8,232 tonnes in 2017 to 6,874 tonnes in 2018 
• Table production of Pacific oyster shells decreased by 20% from the 2017 total. Additionally, over 4.2 million shells were produced for on-growing in other waters
• Employment decreased by 9% from 2017, with 298 full, part-time and casual staff employed in 2018

Background

The full statistical publication can be accessed at: www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Fish-Shellfish/FHI/surveys 
The survey is compiled from data collected directly from authorised shellfish farming businesses
Official statistics are produced by professionally independent staff – more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/About

Contact: alan.bannon@gov.scot