Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2023

Summary

• In 2023, 10,311 tonnes of common mussel were produced for the table market, this is the highest level of common mussel production recorded in Scotland;
• During 2023, 3.9 million Pacific oyster shells were produced for the table market;
• Common mussel and Pacific oyster remain the main species produced in terms of value and tonnage. Common mussel production increased by 13% but Pacific oyster production decreased by 4% during 2023;
• There was a decrease in king scallop production since 2022, from 39,000 to 24,000 shells, while there was an increase in the production of native oyster from 109,000 to 111,000 shells in 2023;
• Queen scallop information was not reported this year due to the low levels of production and producers;
• The number of common mussel producing sites with sufficient spat settlement for production purposes decreased from 88 to 54;
• Employment levels decreased by 4% from the previous year, with 246 full-time, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2023;
• The Scottish shellfish farming sector is estimated to be worth approximately £14.1 million at first sale value, an increase of 36% on the 2022 value;
• For shellfish health purposes, 133 out of 294 sites were inspected during 2023 as part of a risk based surveillance programme. For further information see Marine Directorate, Fish Health Inspectorate, Surveillance Programme - gov.scot (www.gov.scot);
• 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 Directorate, Fish Health Inspectorate (see Enquiries, page 27).