Scottish shellfish farm production survey 2017

Summary

• In 2017, 8,232 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 tonnage increasing by 6% and 42% respectively during 2017;
• During 2017, over 3.8 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 (155,000 to 273,000 shells) and scallop production (35,000 to 47,000 shells) since 2016;
• There was a small decrease in the production of native oysters from 201,000 to 200,000 shells in 2017. The sector continues to target a strong niche market;
• Employment levels increased by 4% from the previous year, with 328 full, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2017.
• The Scottish shellfish farming industry is estimated to be worth approximately £12.4 million at first sale value, an increase of 6%.
• Active surveillance for bonamiasis, marteiliasis and OsHV-1 µvar continued in 2017;
• For shellfish health purposes, 81 out of 332 sites were inspected during 2017 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. Immediate notification of increased mortality on farm sites must be reported to Marine Scotland Science, Fish Health Inspectorate ( see Contact details).