Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey: 2012 Report

Production

The survey indicates that the shellfish species cultivated in Scottish waters in 2012 were:

Production was dominated by mussel and Pacific oyster, although small quantities of scallop, queen scallop (queen) and native oyster were also produced. The 2012 production data for each species by region are given in Table 1.

Table 1: Scottish shellfish production by region, 2012.

NB: This report lists regions with active authorised shellfish farms.

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 below), 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 2003-2012.

Mussel production, for the table, decreased by 10% from the 2011 total (see Figure 1) and survey responses attribute the cause of the decrease to be environmental effects such as variation of spat settlement in time and place in recent years. The greatest contribution in regional mussel production was from Shetland, accounting for 4,340 tonnes or 69% of Scotland's total. Pacific oyster production decreased by 14% from 2011 reportedly due to losses from severe weather conditions and the impact of a significant producer ceasing to trade. Meanwhile, production of Pacific oysters for on-growing has significantly increased, supplying markets within and outwith Scottish waters. The Strathclyde region produced about 86% of Scotland's farmed Pacific oysters. Queen and scallop production target a small niche market, however production fell by 67% and 26% respectively since 2011. A contributing factor was reported as poor spat settlement. Production of native oysters decreased by 9% from 2011. 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 2003-2012.

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 £0.35 per shell; native oyster, £0.60 per shell; scallop, £1.70 per shell; queen scallop, £0.10 per shell; and mussels £1,200 per tonne. The value of the table trade is estimated from the production figures shown in Table 1 (see above).

Mussel: £7.5 million
Native oyster: £0.19 million
Queen: £0.001 million
Pacific oyster: £0.95 million
Scallop: £0.10 million

The 2012 total value, at first sale for all species, was estimated at £8.7 million a decrease from £9.8 million in 2011.