Scottish shellfish farm production survey 2016

Summary

• In 2016, 7,732 tonnes of mussels were produced for the table market, this is the highest level of mussel production recorded in Scotland;
• Mussel and Pacific oyster remain the main species produced in terms of value and tonnage with production increasing by 6% and 31% respectively during 2016;
• During 2016, 4.6 million Pacific oyster shells were produced for on-growing showing that markets both home and abroad are well established;
• There has been an increase in both queen scallop production (33,000 to 155,000 shells) and scallop production (30,000 to 35,000 shells) since 2015;
• Native oyster production increased very slightly from 200,000 to 201,000 shells in 2016. The sector continues to target a strong niche market;
• Employment levels showed a decrease of 8% from the previous year, with 315 full, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2016.
• The Scottish shellfish farming industry is estimated to be worth approximately £11.7 million at first sale value.
• Active surveillance for bonamiasis, marteiliasis and OsHV-1 µvar continued in 2016;
• For shellfish health purposes, 131 out of 333 sites were inspected during 2016 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;
• Movement restrictions remain in place for the presence of Bonamia ostreae at Loch Sunart and West Loch Tarbert, Argyll;
• The UK maintained disease free status with regard to bonamiasis, marteiliasis and OsHV-1 µvar, (See above for details of disease free areas for OsHV-1 µvar and Bonamia ostreae). Immediate notification of increased mortality on farm sites must be reported to Marine Scotland Science, Fish Health Inspectorate ( see Contact details).