AQUACULTURE
Aquaculture in Scotland is diverse, from the farming of salmon and other finfish species, to the production of mussels and oysters, to the harvesting of seaweed. It contributes over £1.8bn annually to Scotland’s economy and sustains the economic and social fabric of the Highlands and Islands in particular. Argyll and Bute demonstrates pockets of intensity of impact in aquaculture and on balance there are strong positive views on the contribution of aquaculture to human and financial capital and provides for rural populations to be sustained as it is a rural and coastal industry.
IN 2019 AQUACULTURE IN ARGYLL AND BUTE PROVIDED OVER 600 JOBS, GIVING OVER £12M IN SALARIES AND CONTRIBUTING OVER £31M IN GROSS VALUE ADDED.
Partnership Working
Working in partnership with various regional and local agencies such as Highlands and the Islands Enterprise, and the seaweed and aquaculture industry, we to help develop and promote the aquaculture sector for local training and employment opportunities across the communities of Argyll and Bute.
Supporting the seaweed industry
The cultivation of seaweed is a major global industry worth $4.5 billion, but one that is still emerging in Scotland.
Given Argyll and Bute’s abundant natural resources, and strategic position in the West of Scotland, there is the potential for the area to become the hub for seaweed farming in Scotland, if not Europe.
Creating connections between individual companies/communities and national and international experts to support the growth of the sector, which is a key focus
Rural Growth Deal
Working with HIE and others to ensure that the best value is returned for the Argyll and Bute aquaculture industry from this investment opportunity.
Provision of key economic intelligence
The council deals with investment enquiries and supports investment decisions through economic intelligence work. The council also inputs significantly on a broad range of policy areas which affect the aquaculture sector in Scotland.
Working with businesses to support business ideas
Through supplying key demographic, statistical and investment information and signposting to appropriate colleagues and partners, such as Business Gateway and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Partners
Their purpose is to transform Scottish aquaculture by unlocking sustainable growth through innovation excellence. Connecting businesses and academics, we fund and support commercially relevant, collaborative research.
Their vision is to have Scotland at the heart of innovation and sustainable economic growth of commercial companies
involved in sustainable stewardship of indigenous seaweed species in the North Atlantic.
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland’s premier independent marine science organisation generating new knowledge for the benefit of the marine environment and society since 1884.
