The value of Atlantic Salmon in Scotland surpassed the £1 billion mark for the first time last year, new statistics show.
The annual Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey found 2017 was a record year of production for Atlantic Salmon, with nearly 190,000 tonnes produced – an increase of 37% from the previous year.
Brown trout production also increased by 49% from 41 tonnes to 61 tonnes.
Fisheries Minister Fergus Ewing said: “The fish farm industry forms an integral part of Scotland’s rural economy, creating jobs and providing capital in our most rural communities. So it’s very encouraging to see salmon production value on the increase yet again.
“Demand for Scottish seafood has also increased domestically in recent years and, through measures such as the Aquaculture Industry Leadership Group, we are putting in place the conditions for a sustainable industry that can meet future projected market demands. This includes the publication of Scotland’s 10-Year Farmed Fish Health Framework, which will ensure that fish health remains at the heart of sustainable production.
“However, this huge Scottish success story is directly threatened by the UK Government’s Brexit plans, which would remove Scotland from the world’s biggest single market, which is around eight times the size of the UK market alone.
“That poses a major threat to the continued growth and success of the Scottish aquaculture sector.”