Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2022

Summary

• In 2022, 9,092 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. Mussel production increased by 6% but Pacific oyster production decreased by 16% during 2022;
• During 2022, 3.4 million Pacific oyster shells were produced for on-growing;
• There was a very small amount of queen scallop production, with the biggest producer ceasing to trade during 2022. There was an increase in scallop production, from 27,000 to 39,000 shells, since 2021;
• There was an increase in the production of native oyster from 8,000 to 109,000 shells in 2022.
• The number of mussel producing sites with sufficient spat settlement for production purposes increased from 58 to 88.
• Employment levels decreased by 16% from the previous year, with 255 full, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2022.
• The Scottish shellfish farming industry is estimated to be worth approximately £10.4 million at first sale value, an increase of 6% on the 2021 figure.
• For shellfish health purposes, 157 out of 300 sites were inspected during 2022 as part of a risk based surveillance programme. Further details 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 and the Dornoch Firth in Highland region, West Loch Tarbert and Lynn of Lorne, Loch Creran and Loch Etive in Strathclyde region.
• Great Britain 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).