SALMON SCOTLAND COMMENT ON SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S MARINE ECONOMIC STATISTICS

Salmon Scotland comment on Scottish Government’s marine economic statistics. The direct economic contribution of Scotland’s fish farming sector increased by almost a third in the space of a year, a new government report has revealed.

The Scottish Government’s marine economic statistics for 2023 confirm the vital role of Scottish salmon, which makes up 95 per cent of the aquaculture sector. The report shows that GVA (gross value added) rose by 30 per cent from £361 million to £468 million between 2022 and 2023. Over the longer term, aquaculture’s GVA increased by 37 per cent between 2014 and 2023, while employment increased by 3 per cent. The figures also show that aquaculture is one of the most productive parts of the marine economy, with more than £212,545 GVA generated per employee. Turnover accounted for £1.2 billion, almost 10 per cent of the total.

Scotland’s entire marine economy generated £5.6 billion in 2023, which is still dominated by oil and gas (£2.4 billion). This is followed by marine tourism (£699 million), then shipbuilding (£540 million), followed by aquaculture, which contributes more to the economy than fishing (£394 million).

The figures for the salmon sector do not include the wider supply chain, which also adds hundreds of millions of pounds to the economy. There are around 2,500 direct jobs in Scottish salmon and around 11,000 indirect jobs.

A more up-to-date independent economic report published last month found that the Scottish salmon sector is adding £1 billion a year to the economy.
The analysis by BiGGAR Economics found that Scottish salmon’s GVA was £231.2 million in 2024, with a further £589.9 million generated through the supply chain.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said:

“These figures confirm that Scottish salmon continues to generate vital wealth for the country, and especially for our Highland and islands communities. However, they only tell part of our economic success story, given that the sector also supports a nationwide supply chain and is attracting record exports and rising consumer demand.

“The aquaculture sector is the fourth biggest in the entire marine economy, creating thousands of well-paid jobs and opportunities. Everyone in the sector is part of a global success story built on high environmental and welfare standards, producing one of the healthiest and best-tasting foods in the world.”

Image: Salmon Scotland