Scotland’s shellfish farming sector has reported a year of mixed fortunes, with record-breaking mussel production and rising market value offset by a notable decline in employment, according to the newly published Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2025.
Released today, the Official Statistics publication provides a detailed snapshot of production, employment and value across Scotland’s shellfish farming industry, tracking trends across key species including common mussels, Pacific oysters, native oysters and king scallops. The report also analyses data across a 10-year period from 2016 to 2025, offering insight into long-term sector performance.
Common mussels were the standout performer in 2025, with production reaching 12,303 tonnes – a 5% increase on 2024’s total of 11,690 tonnes. This marks the highest level of common mussel production ever recorded in Scotland, underlining the species’ continued dominance within the sector.
Pacific oysters also saw steady growth, with 2.5 million shells produced for the table market during the year. This represents a 5% increase compared to 2024, signalling sustained demand and stable production conditions for oyster farmers.
Despite these gains, employment within the sector declined by 6% year-on-year. A total of 227 full-time, part-time and casual staff were employed across Scottish shellfish farms in 2025, reflecting ongoing pressures on labour availability and operational efficiency.
Financially, however, the sector delivered a strong performance. The estimated first sale value of Scottish shellfish farming rose to £15.1 million, an 8% increase on the previous year. This uplift suggests that higher prices, improved yields, or a combination of both have helped offset workforce reductions.
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The survey, compiled using data submitted directly by authorised shellfish farming businesses, remains a key barometer for the health of Scotland’s aquaculture sector. Produced by professionally independent statisticians, it adheres to the standards set out for Official Statistics in Scotland.
The full Scottish Shellfish Farm Survey 2025 is available via the Scottish Government website, offering a comprehensive breakdown of production trends, regional activity and species-specific performance across the country.
