Native oysters could boost economy and create jobs

Restoring native oyster beds in Scotland could give the UK economy a £3.5m boost and create jobs, a report from the James Hutton Institute has estimated.

European native oysters were almost fished to extinction in the past and in recent years the commercial sector has chosen the non-native Pacific oyster due to it being faster growing.

The report suggests oyster beds on the west coast of Scotland could bring people to areas that have been depopulated due to migration and struggles with an ageing demographic.

Caol and Mallaig councillors Allan Henderson and Denis Rixson support the idea, but would need to consult on it further.

Councillor Rixson said: ‘In principle I love the idea of restoring native species and providing local employment but would stress the importance of working with all stakeholders – particularly the fishing industry. Fishermen are increasingly constrained and regulated. I would like them to be consulted throughout the process so that the end result is a winwin for everyone and not just one sector.’

Councillor Henderson said: ‘Like salmon farming, this has to be carefully considered through the planning process, as there would be displacement.’

The Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project (DEEP) has established 40 hectares of native oyster reef off the coast of Dornoch with measurable economic benefits to small and medium enterprises.

The report analysed the experiences of DEEP and discussed how the production of disease-free native oysters could boost Scotland’s produce offering and supply into the growing European restoration market.

Report author Hazel Allen said: ‘The DEEP approach and consideration of oyster restoration has provided complementary opportunities to enhance the delivery of policies set by the Scottish Government such as Aquaculture Growth to 2030, Ambition 2030, the Hydro Nation Strategy and Zero Waste strategies and the water quality environmental objectives set by SEPA.

‘This report identifies several actions to realise the benefits and opportunities arising from a potential Scottish native oyster aquaculture industry. For that, we’ll need to promote closer policy integration and working between government agencies and delivery bodies to develop a collective policy approach for the integration of ecosystem benefits and their multiple values.’