Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2024
An Official Statistics Publication
The Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2024 was released recently, providing vital data on employment, production, and the economic value of shellfish harvested from Scottish farms. This Official Statistics report focuses on key species, including the common mussel, Pacific oyster, native oyster, and king scallop, and presents a decade-long overview from 2015 to 2024.
Key Insights from the 2024 Survey
- The production tonnage of common mussel has surged by 13%, rising from 10,311 tonnes in 2023 to 11,690 tonnes in 2024. This marks the peak production level of common mussel ever recorded in Scotland.
- In contrast, the production of Pacific oyster shells for the table market has seen a significant decline, with 2.4 million shells produced in 2024—a decrease of 38% from the previous year.
- Employment figures reflect a slight downturn, with a 2% reduction in staff numbers. A total of 241 full-time, part-time, and casual employees were on the payroll in 2024.
- The overall estimated first sale value for all shellfish species is around £14 million in 2024, which represents a 1% decline compared to 2023.
Background Information
For those interested in exploring the full details of the survey, you can access the publication at the following link:
Scottish Shellfish Farm Survey 2024 – gov.scot
Methodology
- The survey compiles data directly gathered from licensed shellfish farming businesses across Scotland.
- Official statistics are produced with professional independence. To learn more about the standards of official statistics in Scotland, visit the following link: Producing Official Statistics – gov.scot
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