Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2024

Summary

• In 2024, 11,690 tonnes of common mussel were produced for the table market, this is the highest level of common mussel production recorded in Scotland;
• During 2024, 2.4 million Pacific oyster shells were produced for the table market;
• Common mussel and Pacific oyster remain the main species produced in terms of value and tonnage;
• Common mussel production increased by 13% during 2024. Pacific oyster production decreased by 38%, with a main producer in the Highland region ceasing production in 2024;
• There was a 53% increase in the production of native oyster from 111,000 to 170,000 shells in 2024;
• King scallop production decreased by 4%, from 24,000 to 23,000 shells, since 2023. Queen scallop production can not be reported due to low levels of production and producers;
• The number of common mussel producing sites with sufficient spat settlement for production purposes increased by 80% from 54 to 97 in 2024;
• Employment levels decreased by 2% from the previous year, with 241 full-time, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2024;
• The Scottish shellfish farming sector is estimated to be worth approximately £14 million at first sale value, a decrease of 1% on the 2023 value;
• For shellfish health purposes, 120 out of 283 sites were inspected during 2024 as part of 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. Immediate notification of increased unexplained mortality on farm sites must be reported to Marine Directorate, Fish Health Inspectorate (see Enquiries).