December 1, 2021

 

Scotland, UK north coast and West Highlands produced most fish in Q3 2021

 

Figures produced by Salmon Scotland, and broken down on a regional basis for the first time, show the value of salmon produced in the different farming areas in Scotland, the United Kingdom.

 

According to the statistics, during the third quarter of the year the north coast and West Highlands produced the most fish – 26% of total, or 15,900 tonnes; Argyll and Clyde were next, with 14,000 tonnes, 23% of production; followed by Shetland with 20% of production (12,400 tonnes); the Outer Hebrides, with 19% (11,700 tonnes); and Orkney next on 11% (6,700 tonnes).

 

Farmgate prices for Atlantic salmon experienced a seasonal decline during the initial stages of Q3 before rallying at the end of the period. However, they remain some way behind the returns recorded prior to the pandemic at the end of 2019.

 

In addition to benefiting communities financially, the salmon sector employs 2,500 people directly.

 

"We are expecting to produce 217,000 tonnes in total this year, which will represent an increase of 9,300 tonnes, or 4.5%, on 2020," he added.

 

Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott said that the figures were "excellent news" for Scotland, for rural communities and for the country as a whole.

 

"Sales of fresh and chilled Atlantic salmon to the EU have now reached record volumes, helping it to maintain its position as the UK’s most valuable food export," said Scott.

 

Almost £192 million (US$255.2 million) worth of salmon was exported from Scotland in the third quarter of 2021, down slightly from £202 million (US$268.5 million) in the second quarter. However, overall Q1-Q3 exports in 2021 have eclipsed the whole of 2020 during the pandemic.

 

This took place despite the challenge of many key outlets and routes to market for Scottish salmon remaining closed or below capacity during the period.

 

"Volumes of chilled salmon increased by 2% in volume and value terms in the year to the end of October. This meant that we maintained growth experienced in retail during the initial stages of the pandemic as food service outlets were closed," said Scott.

 

"We are expecting to produce 217,000 tonnes in total this year, which will represent an increase of 9,300 tonnes, or 4.5%, on 2020," he added.

 

Scott said that he was optimistic about the future of the sector. "As more businesses return to full capacity, the outlook for domestic consumption in the restaurant and hospitality sector should remain positive.

 

"This is because consumers will take the opportunity to eat out more often while at the same time cooking and enjoying salmon in their own homes."

 

He continued: "The sector is proving just how robust and agile it is in challenging market conditions. This is clearly very good news for Scotland's rural and island communities and all who live and work in them.

 

"As a sector, we will remain a major employer as we consolidate our market position and grow and prosper in the future."

 

- The Fish Site