Salmon farming growth forecast
THE SCOTTISH salmon farming industry says it is on track to increase production by 50 per cent to 210,000 tonnes by 2020, in its latest annual research report published on Thursday.
The Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) says more than £200 million has been invested over the last five years.
Of that almost £70 million (33 per cent) was invested in Shetland-based salmon farms creating the foundations for further growth.
Last year, the islands’ salmon farming industry employed 415 people, mainly in full time jobs. They took home £10.4 million in wages, an increase of 100 per cent from 2007.
With Scottish farmed salmon enjoying a 20 per cent increase in export volumes in 2011, SSPO chief executive Scott Landsburgh said that he expected market conditions to remain positive.
“Despite the global economy continuing to struggle to make a recovery, the market conditions for superior Scottish salmon at home and abroad remain very strong.
“With the positive impact of business confidence and strong investment from the salmon sector, I expect the market conditions for our sector to remain positive,” he said.
The association’s chairman Professor Phil Thomas added: “Scotland has relatively few world-class industries, but its salmon farming is in that category.
“By international standards our farms are small and our commitment to high standards of husbandry and management incurs added costs. Scotland seeks to produce the best and we are immensely proud of our history and tradition.”
The Scottish salmon farming industry research report can be found online at: http://www.scottishsalmon.co.uk/userFiles/886/FINAL_SSPO_Industry_Survey_Report.April_2012.pdf
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