Aquaculture workforce needed

Recruitment of a skilled workforce for the aquaculture sector is a “market failure” that could impact on the future of the field, a new report has found.

The study commissioned by Marine Scotland has highlighted the need for a flexible workforce and the ability for the aquaculture sector to attract staff to work in the field. The report, written by social research group Ekosgen, concluded attracting and retaining workers is hampered by the rurality of the jobs, particularly when it comes to finding affordable housing, as well as a preference for some workers to move to other areas of the economy, such as oil and gas or the public sector.

Rural Economy Secretar y Fergus Ewing said the Scottish

Government will offer support to the sector as it emerges from the pandemic, which saw the vast majority of the economy shut down.

He said: “This report highl i ghts once again j ust how significant aquaculture is to Scotland’s rural economy and the viability of our island and coastal. Having a skilled and flexible workforce will be a key factor in the future success of Scottish aquaculture.”