October 23, 2020

2019 Scottish salmon production highest ever at 203,881 tonnes

Salmon production in Scotland reached a record level in 2019 at 203,881 tonnes, registering an increase of 203,881 tonnes or 47,856 tonnes from the year before, according to the Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2019 published by the Marine Scotland Sciece on Monday, Oct. 19.

The production survey information was collected from 23 companies actively involved in the freshwater production of Atlantic salmon in 76 sites.

While the number of companies engaged in freshwater production of Atlantic salmon decreased by one in 2019, the number of farm sites increased by five, compared with 2018.

The survey said that vaccines provided protection against diseases such as furunculosis, infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN), ERM, vibriosis and salmonid alphavirus (SAV). A total of 52.4 million fish were vaccinated across 46 sites.

Hamish Macdonell, director of strategic engagement at the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO), said Scottish salmon continues to be a "a great success story", according to a report by Fish Farmer.

"Our farmers achieved record production levels in 2019, employed more people and exported more around the world. In doing so, they injected significant sums into many of Scotland's most sparsely populated rural areas and boosted the economy as a whole. This is a sector we can all be proud of", he was quoted as saying.

The Scottish government expects the 2020 salmon production to grow to 207,000 tonnes despite the challenges brought about by the coronavirus. The sector said it has ensured that all staff have been protected with safety measures and that farms have continued to operate.