Last updated: 18 November, 2024 @ 12:04
A Scottish government survey has revealed that a record number of mussels were produced in the country last year.
The Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2023 shows that despite a 28% decline in the number of active shellfish farming businesses over the past decade a record volume of 10,311 tonnes of common mussel was produced last year – an increase of 13% on 2022.
Rise in native oysters
The survey also revealed that 3.9m Pacific oysters were produced for the commercial market – a decrease of 4% on the previous year.
A decline in production was also seen for king scallop, which fell from 39,000 shells to 24,000.
However, an increase in the production of native oysters was reported, rising from 109,000 to 111,000.
Shetland main producer
The annual survey was sent to all 103 active authorised shellfish farming businesses in Scotland.
The data showed that of the 103 operational businesses, 63 recorded sales in 2023.
In 2023, a total of 169 sites produced shellfish for sale in Scotland – an increase of 15 on the previous year. Of that number, 59% were located in Shetland.
Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2023
Read the Scottish government’s Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2023.