Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2011

// SUMMARY

• Mussel and Pacific oysters remain the main species produced in terms of both value and tonnage. Mussel production decreased by 3% while Pacific oyster production increased by 4% during 2011;
• There has been a reduction in queen scallop production, but an increase in scallop production still targeting niche markets;
• Native oyster production remained the same producing 350,000 shells. The sector continues to target a strong niche market;
• Employment levels showed a 14% fall from the previous year, with 343 full, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2011.
• The Scottish shellfish farming industry is estimated to be worth £9.8 million at first sale value.
• Surveillance for the shellfish diseases Bonamiasis and Marteiliasis was maintained in 2011, resulting in no new infected areas. Movement restrictions remain in place for the presence of Bonamia ostreae at Loch Sunart and West Loch Tarbet;
• For shellfish health purposes, 139 out of 335 sites were inspected during 2011 as part of a risk based surveillance programme implemented under Council Directive
• 2006/88/EC;
• A surveillance programme targeting Pacific oyster farm sites continued in 2011, to detect any occurrence of OsHV-1 µvar, no evidence of infection was found from samples taken. Immediate notification of increased mortality on farm sites must be reported to Marine Scotland Science, Fish Health Inspectorate (see Contact details).
• The industry is dominated by small producers, although there was a continued and marked trend toward large businesses contributing to the annual production of all species.