Scottish salmon value tops £1bn

SCOTTISH farmed salmon was worth more than £1 billion to the economy for the first time last year, an increase of 37 per cent on 2016.
The news came on top of government figures this morning revealing a 16.5 per cent rise in production in 2017, to almost 190,000 tonnes.
Following the publication of the annual Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey, rural economy minister Fergus Ewing welcomed the salmon industry’s success.
‘The fish farm industry forms an integral part of Scotland’s rural economy – creating jobs and providing capital in some of our most rural communities,’ said Ewing (pictured).
‘So it’s very encouraging to see salmon production value on the increase yet again.
‘Demand for Scottish seafood has also increased domestically in recent years and, through measures such as the establishment Aquaculture Industry Leadership Group, we are putting in place the conditions for a sustainable industry that can meet future projected market demands.
‘This includes the publication of Scotland’s 10 Year Farmed Fish Health Framework which will ensure that fish health remains at the heart of sustainable production.’
However, he warned that the UK government’s Brexit plans might jeopardise the sector’s export markets in the EU.
‘That poses a major threat to the continued growth and success of the Scottish aquaculture sector, risking jobs, investment and livelihoods, which is why we continue to press strongly for Scotland and the rest of the UK to remain in the European single market and customs union.’