Aquaculture GVA rose 30% to £468m in 2023, government data shows.
The direct economic contribution of Scotland’s aquaculture sector increased sharply in 2023, according to new marine economic statistics published by the Scottish Government.
The data shows that gross value added (GVA) from aquaculture rose by 30% year on year, increasing from £361 million in 2022 to £468 million in 2023. Scottish salmon accounts for around 95% of the country’s aquaculture output.
Over the longer term, aquaculture GVA increased by 37% between 2014 and 2023, while employment in the sector rose by 3% over the same period.
The figures indicate that aquaculture remains one of the most productive parts of Scotland’s marine economy, generating more than £212,545 of GVA per employee. Sector turnover totalled £1.2 billion in 2023, representing almost 10% of the total marine economy.
Scotland’s marine economy generated £5.6 billion in 2023, with oil and gas remaining the largest contributor at £2.4 billion. This was followed by marine tourism at £699 million and shipbuilding at £540 million. Aquaculture contributed more to the economy than fishing, which generated £394 million.
The Scottish Government figures do not include the wider supply chain associated with salmon farming. The sector directly employs around 2,500 people in Scotland and supports a further 11,000 jobs indirectly.
An independent economic assessment published last month estimated that the Scottish salmon sector is adding around £1 billion a year to the economy. Analysis by BiGGAR Economics found that Scottish salmon farming generated £231.2 million in GVA in 2024, with a further £589.9 million generated through the supply chain.
Commenting on the figures, 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.”
