Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2013

SUMMARY

• In 2013, 6,757 tonnes of mussels were produced for the table market in Scotland. This was despite the toxin issues which caused a number of producers to voluntarily suspend commercial production for several months during 2013;
• Mussel and Pacific oysters remain the main species produced in terms of both value and tonnage. Mussel production increased by 8% while Pacific oyster table production decreased by 30% during 2013;
• Production of Pacific oysters for on-growing has significantly increased (95%) in 2013 as new markets, home and abroad, have been established;
• There has been an increase in queen scallop production but a decrease in scallop production, production for on-growing of both queens and scallops has increased since 2012;
• Native oyster production dropped from 317,000 to 260,000 shells in 2013. The sector continues to target a strong niche market;
• Employment levels showed a decrease of 7% from the previous year, with 333 full, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2013.
• The Scottish shellfish farming industry is estimated to be worth £8.9 million at first sale value.
• Surveillance for the shellfish diseases bonamiasis and marteiliasis was maintained in 2013 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, 91 out of 329 sites were inspected during 2013 as part of a risk based surveillance programme implemented under Council Directive 2006/88/ EC;
• The UK was granted disease free status with regard to OsHV-1 µvar, (See Health influences on the Industry section for details of disease free areas). Immediate notification of increased mortality on farm sites must be reported to Marine Scotland Science, Fish Health Inspectorate (see Contact details).