ASSG Conference 2025 – Scottish Cultivated Shellfish: Planning for the Future

Oban’s Corran Halls became the epicenter of shellfish discussion as it hosted the annual Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers (ASSG) Conference on October 1^st and 2^nd, 2025. More than 130 delegates participated in this insightful event, which featured a diverse lineup of experts sharing knowledge on shellfish science, production, and marketing.

Keynote Speech and Aquaculture

The event commenced with a keynote address by Dennis Overton, chair of the Scottish Food Commission. He highlighted aquaculture’s potential in revolutionizing Scotland’s food system.

Dennis Overton emphasized: “Aquaculture has much to contribute to the transformation of Scotland’s food system, particularly in the area of marine biodiversity recovery. Fin fish farmers have the opportunity to reduce carbon through feed innovation. Scotland’s aquaculture products are generally healthy foods, but they are not yet an important enough part of the Scottish diet; that needs to change. Compared to other European countries, Scotland’s food culture has scope to develop. Farmed fish and shellfish have a vital part to play in the cultural renaissance.”

Best Scottish Shellfish Competition

Following the keynote, the highly anticipated Best Scottish Shellfish competition took center stage. This contest aimed to identify the best producers of Scottish mussels, as well as Native and Pacific oysters, judged by an esteemed panel that included renowned local chef Michael Leathley from The Pierhouse Hotel, Port Appin.

Winners

Native Oysters

• Winner: Judith and Angus Vajk, Caledonian Oysters
• Runner-up: Gerard Macdonald, Isle of Barra Oysters

Pacific Oysters

• Winner: Gordon Turnbull, Isle of Mull Oysters
• Runner-up: John Barrington, Creran Oysters

Mussels

• Douglas Wilson/Cameron Maclean, Inverlussa Mussels

Informative Sessions and Technical Discussions

The first day featured a series of presentations covering a variety of topics, including:

• Oysters Australia
• Making the most of science
• Guests’ shellfish expectations
• Shellfish in the retail sector and beyond
• Growth through collaboration and marketing
• Annual Dutch shellfish conference and exhibition

A technical session, chaired by ASSG CEO Nick Lake, rounded off the day with discussions on:

• Using dogs to detect invasive non-native species
• Evaluating mussel spat settlement
• A new program to record shellfish site environments
• Utilizing social media

Day Two Highlights

Day two continued with enriching presentations on:

• The plankton monitoring revolution
• Probing the marine microbiome
• Engaging with researchers
• Satisfying demand for oyster seed
• Developments in mussel cultivation
• Maximizing the potential of Scottish shellfish

Trade Exhibition and Community Engagement

Alongside the conference, a trade exhibition featured various booths, including a water safety stand from the local RNLI. The ASSG organized a well-supported prize draw that successfully raised over £850 for this important cause.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on the impressive turnout and comprehensive agenda, Nick Lake stated:

“Once again, all those with an interest in this important Scottish rural sector came together to explore the best ways for the industry to develop. Planning for the future in a world that is increasingly throwing up challenges for food production is a vote of confidence in the role cultivated shellfish can play. Increasingly, it is being recognized that shellfish production can contribute not only to food supplies, but also to environmental stability.”