Camapigning by the Scottish salmon industry moved up a notch yesterday (Tuesday April 19) as Salmon Scotland has announced an expansion of its membership to include partners from its supply chain in recognition of the significant and sustainable contribution to the nation’s economy.

Fresh salmon accounts for more than £500 million worth of fish sales across the UK retail market annually. This represents 48 per cent of the overall fish market, making it the most valuable single product in this category. The product is also exported to more than 50 countries.

The salmon sector adds more than £640 million to the economy every year. At the same time, it spends £370 million, supporting over 3,600 suppliers across Scotland. More than 2,500 people are directly employed in salmon farming throughout the country.

Of those jobs, more than a quarter are based in the Western Isles where one salmon producer alone is by far the biggest private sector employer. 

However, the sector has a whole has been long criticised by environmental lobbyists for failing to avoid a range of damage to the marine environment. 

What was the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) changed its name to Salmon Scotland on November 1, 2021.

New members include feed suppliers, service vessel designers, and textile firms which help ensure that the farm-raised salmon sector delivers responsible growth and creates thousands of well-paid local jobs.

Salmon Scotland say that many of the new members are at the forefront of technological advances which are helping to secure the sector’s low-carbon future, with a commitment to achieving key targets in fish health and welfare, community support, and maintaining the highest food quality standards.

While salmon are only raised in five key geographical locations in rural Scotland – Shetland, Orkney, the north-west Highlands, the Western Isles and Argyll & Bute – the expansion means that Salmon Scotland will now represent organisations working in every part of Scotland.

Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, said:“Our role is to speak for and champion the interests of people and businesses across Scotland’s farm-raised salmon sector.

“At the heart of our sector are farmers who care for their fish and produce a healthy, nutritious product that is increasingly popular around the world.

“But our responsible growth would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of thousands of people in the wider supply chain.

“Together, we deliver more than 10,000 jobs in every part of Scotland and generate millions for the local economy, with everyone in the sector working hard to deliver a sustainable and low-carbon future for Scottish salmon.”

New partner members:

• AKVA Group Scotland Ltd
• Aquascot
• Aquaship (UK) Ltd
• Benchmark Genetics
• DFDS
• Garware
• Inverlussa Co Ltd
• Morenot Scotland
• MSD Animal Health
• Pharmaq Ltd/Zoetis
• Scale AQ
• W & J Knox Ltd