Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2015

// Summary

• Table production of mussels remains high with the second highest tonnage recorded, 7,270 tonnes, being produced in Scotland in 2015;
• Mussel and Pacific oysters remain the main species produced in terms of value and tonnage although production decreased by 5% and 21% respectively during 2015;
• During 2015, over 5 million Pacific oyster shells were produced for on-growing showing that markets both home and abroad are well established;
• There has been an 83% increase in queen scallop production and a 38% decrease in scallop production since 2014;
• Native oyster production dropped from 242,000 to 200,000 shells in 2015. The sector continues to target a strong niche market;
• Employment levels showed a decrease of 0.3% from the previous year, with 344 full, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2015.
  
• The Scottish shellfish farming industry is estimated to be worth approximately £10.1 million at first sale value.
• Targeted surveillance for the shellfish diseases bonamiasis and marteiliasis was maintained in 2015 resulting in no new infected areas. Movement restrictions remain in place for the presence of Bonamia ostreae at Loch Sunart and West Loch Tarbert, Argyll. Active surveillance for OsHV-1 µvar continued in 2015;
• For shellfish health purposes, 92 out of 335 sites were inspected during 2015 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 Health Influences on the Industry 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).