Scotland.- In 2016, 7,732 tonnes of mussels were produced for the table market, this is the highest level of mussel production recorded in Scotland;
Mussel and Pacific oysters remain the main species produced in terms of value and tonnage with production increasing by 6% and 31% respectively during 2016;
During 2016, over 4.6 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 (33,000 to 155,000 shells) and scallop production (30,000 to 35,000 shells) since 2015;
Native oyster production increased very slightly from 200,000 to 201,000 shells in 2016. The sector continues to target a strong niche market;
Employment levels showed a decrease of 8% from the previous year, with 318 full, part-time and casual staff being employed during 2016.
The Scottish shellfish farming industry is estimated to be worth approximately £11.7 million at first sale value.
Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2016
Source: Scottish Government
