Salmon sector could double says new report

THE Scottish salmon industry is forecast to produce up to 400,000 tonnes a year by 2030, according to a new report. This would be double current levels of production.

Fish and shellfish farming already contributes £620 million

to the national economy every year, claims the research.

The industry now supports more than 12,000 jobs and Scottish aquaculture production has increased by a third in the 10 years to 2015, from 142,000 to 188,000 tonnes, the Scottish government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) commissioned study reported.

Atlantic salmon production accounts for 90 per cent of all economic impact, supporting 10,340 full-time equivalent jobs and generating £540 million in gross value added (GVA).

Rural economy minister Fergus Ewing said: ‘These figures are good news for Scottish aquaculture and show the significant social contributions the industry makes to remote rural, island and coastal areas by supporting high-skilled jobs, diversifying and protecting communities.’