Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2014

// SUMMARY

• In 2014, 7,683 tonnes of mussels were produced for the table market, this is the highest level of mussel production recorded in Scotland;
• Mussel and Pacific oysters remain the main species produced in terms of value and tonnage. Mussel and Pacific oyster production increased by 14% and 79% respectively during 2014;
• Table production of Pacific oysters was at its highest level since 2004;
• Production of Pacific oysters for on-growing has increased by 9% in 2014 as trade in both domestic markets and those outwith Great Britain have become more established;
• There has been an increase in scallop production but a decrease in queen scallop production, attributed to poor spat fall in previous years;
• Native oyster production dropped from 260,000 to 242,000 shells in 2014. The sector continues to target a strong niche market;
• Employment levels showed an increase of 4% from the previous year, with 345 full, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2014.
• The Scottish shellfish farming industry is estimated to be worth £10.5 million at first sale value.
• Targeted surveillance for the shellfish diseases bonamiasis and marteiliasis was maintained in 2014 resulting in no new infected areas. Movement restrictions remain in place for the presence of Bonamia ostreae at Loch Sunart and West Loch Tarbert. Active surveillance for OsHV-1 µvar continued in 2014.
• For shellfish health purposes, 111 out of 344 sites were inspected during 2014 as part of a risk based surveillance programme implemented under Council Directive 2006/88/EC. Details of this can be found at http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Fish-Shellfish/FHI/surveillance;
• The UK maintained disease free status with regard to OsHV-1 µvar, (See page 11 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 page II).