Mussel production reaches record level

Mussel production has reached its highest ever level in Scotland, rising by 14 per cent from 6,757 tonnes in 2013 to 7,683 tonnes in 2014, according to new stats from Marine Scotland.

The figures reveal the value of the shellfish industry increased by 18 per cent, rising to £10.5m in 2014. Meanwhile Pacific oyster production increased by 79 per cent during 2014.

Employment levels increased by four per cent from 2013, with 345 full, part-time and casual staff employed.

The figures show queen scallop production to have fallen by 45 per cent, while native oyster production decreased by seven per cent.

Dr Aileen McLeod, minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, welcomed the figures.

She said: “The aquaculture industry supports employment and the economic wellbeing of many fragile rural communities across Scotland. These latest figures also show employment levels in the shellfish industry have increased by 4 per cent in 2014.

“The Scottish shellfish industry has great potential and the sector is entering a significant period. The Shellfish Working Group has published an exciting programme of work, which includes a commitment to produce an industry-owned strategy for growth for the sector as well as supporting proposals for a Scottish shellfish hatchery.”