Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2019

Summary

• In 2019, 6,699 tonnes of mussels were produced for the table market;
• Mussel and Pacific oyster remain the main species produced in terms of value and tonnage. Mussel production decreased by 3% and Pacific oyster production increased by 14% during 2019;
• During 2019, over 2.5 million Pacific oyster shells were produced for on-growing showing that markets both home and abroad are well established;
• Queen scallop production figures were not able to be updated for 2019. There was a decrease in scallop production, from 31,000 to 26,000 shells, since 2018;
• There was a decrease in the production of native oyster from 142,000 to 103,000 shells in 2019. This sector continues to target a strong niche market;
• Employment levels decreased by 7% from the previous year, with 277 full, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2019.
• The Scottish shellfish farming industry is estimated to be worth approximately £7.9 million at first sale value, a decrease of 17% on the 2018 figure.
• Active surveillance for bonamiasis, marteiliasis and OsHV-1 µvar continued in 2019;
• For shellfish health purposes, 59 out of 329 sites were inspected during 2019 as part of a risk based surveillance programme implemented under Council Directive 2006/88/EC. Details of this can be found at https://www.gov.scot/policies/fish-health-inspectorate/surveillance-programme/;
• Movement restrictions remain in place for the presence of Bonamia ostreae at Loch Sunart, Highland and West Loch Tarbert, Argyll;
• Movement restrictions for Bonamia ostreae were placed on the Dornoch Firth, Highland and an area covering the Lynn of Lorne, Loch Creran and Loch Etive, Strathclyde;
• The UK maintained disease free status with regard to bonamiasis, marteiliasis and OsHV-1 µvar, with the exception of specific compartments under movement restrictions. Immediate notification of increased mortality on farm sites must be reported to Marine Scotland Science, Fish Health Inspectorate (see Contact details).