Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2022 published

The Scottish Government today published the Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2022.

The publication details statistics on the employment and production from Scottish fish farms. It is structured to follow industry trends within the farmed Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout and other species sectors. Some statistics are given for the 21-year period 2002-2022.

Some key figures from this publication are:

• In 2022, production of Atlantic salmon decreased by 36,199 tonnes (18%) to 169,194 tonnes.
• The total number of smolts produced in 2022 increased by 3.9 million (8%) to 55.1 million.
• Production tonnage of rainbow trout increased by 7% in 2022 to 8,757 tonnes. This is the highest level of rainbow trout production recorded in Scotland.
• Brown and sea trout production remained at 23 tonnes in 2022.
• In 2022, the total number of staff directly employed in salmon production was 1,508 staff, an increase of 13 staff compared with 2021. The staffing figures refer to production of Atlantic salmon in seawater and do not include staff involved with processing or marketing activities.

Following publication of the survey, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon said:

"I welcome the publication of these statistics. Scotland’s aquaculture sector is a significant contributor to our economy, generating approximately £885 million GVA and an estimated 11,700 jobs while producing healthy and nutritious products. It is good to see a small uplift in direct employment in the sector, and to see innovations and new strategies being deployed by the sector having a positive impact.

For example, we’ve seen a reduction on the reliance of imported salmon ova (eggs) and an increase in production and hatches in Scotland. This strengthens our domestic supply chain and improves resilience. We also know that some companies are working to change their production strategies, for example by increasing the average size of fish put to sea and reducing the marine phase of production.

These figures also show that farmers are proactively responding to environmental and biological challenges and pressures, for example by making the responsible decision where necessary to harvest smaller fish to support health and welfare, which has resulted in decreased production figures".

The full statistical publication for 2022 can be accessed at: Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2022 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)