Scotland is currently the largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon in the EU and third largest globally - producing 154,164 tonnes in 2010 with an estimated value of £539.6 million at farm gate prices and accounting for over one-third by value of Scotland's food exports.
This is the highest recorded production since 2004 and follows on from a 12% increase in 2009. Rainbow trout (5,139 tonnes), brown trout (53 tonnes), halibut (139 tonnes) and Arctic charr (1.5 tonnes) are also produced.
Scottish shellfish production is expanding quickly with farmed blue mussel production now at 7,199 tonnes annually and worth £6.7 million. This if followed followed by:
- 241 tonnes of Pacific oysters (3,008,000 shells)
- 28 tonnes of Native oysters (350,000 shells)
- 7 tonnes of queen scallop (184,000 shells)
- 8 tonnes of king scallop (64,000 shells).
In addition, much of aquaculture production is focussed on the West and North of the country and supports strong remote and rural communities in those areas including a number of full-time and part-time jobs. The role of high quality shellfish waters is also vital to the success of the industry.
Further information on Scottish Finfish and shellfish production is also available from Marine Scotland Science.