Increase in employment in Aquaculture

The total number of staff employed in marine salmon production in Scotland increased by 77 (5.5%) to 1,466 people, despite a cyclical decrease in the production of Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, brown and sea trout.

The figures were published as part of the Fish Farm Production Statistics 2018, which details levels of employment and production from Scottish fish farms.

Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“Aquaculture is vital to our rural economy, generating more than £620 million of added value to the Scottish economy every year, and supporting thousands of jobs in some of our most fragile coastal communities.

“So it is essential that we support our aquaculture sector and its sustainable growth, to ensure that economic opportunities are maximised, whilst ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental protection. We continue to work with Parliament, the sector and other key stakeholders to improve fish health through our Farmed Fish Health Framework, and ensure that Scottish farmed fish retains its reputation as being amongst the best in the world.

“The statistics serve as a timely reminder that the EU remains our largest trading partner for overseas exports, demonstrating the critical importance of maintaining frictionless trade with the European Single Market for our aquaculture industry. The consequences of a no deal Brexit cannot be underplayed and threatens not only the success of Scottish aquaculture, but  jobs, investment and living standards across the whole of Scotland. That is why we continue to press the UK Government to take a No Deal Brexit off the table immediately.”