30 November, 2007

THE SCOTTISH aquaculture industry has been valued in excess of £400 million in 2006.

The information comes from the new Aquaculture Information Bureau, a website launched this week to raise the industry's profile.

The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, who are behind the AIB, said this makes fish farming one of the foremost food producing sectors in Scotland, behind beef production, valued at £467 million, but ahead of fish catching, at £370 million, sheep farming, at £151 million and the pig industry, at £57 million.

David Sandison, general manager of Shetland Aquaculture, said: "The aquaculture industry is still in its infancy and it has vast potential for sustainable growth.

"In the UK we must ensure that all 'stakeholders', whether customers, suppliers, regulators, government or consumers, have access to all types of information about the industry and its current and future plans. This needs to be accessible regardless of species, sector or location.

"As Shetland is currently the UK hub for the advancement of a truly diverse aquaculture sector, we are keen to use the AIB to ensure the world gets to know more about our industry."

The AIB is an information website which can be reached at www.aquaculture.org.uk