New Dawn for Salmon Farming in Scalloway

Scottish Sea Farms (SSF), one of Scotlands leading fish farming businesses, has taken the first step to ensuring the viable future for salmon farms in Shetland by investing 1.6millon and restocking three sites in Scalloway with a single generation of 1.2 million smolts.

The project, which will secure 12 jobs on the island, has partnered with a number of Scottish suppliers including Fusion Marine and W&J Knox who have secured over 1million of the investment from SSF.

The impressive investment follows a significant fallow period by all farmers in Shetland and will include the installation of new three-ring fully decked cages, nets and a state-of-the-art feed barge which will ensure the highest possible standards of fish husbandry.

Managing director of Scottish Sea Farms, Jim Gallagher said: The Scalloway restocking project demonstrates our continued investment in responsible farming in Shetland and we look forward to seeing sustainable growth in the local economy over the next couple of years. The volume of smolts will also secure jobs in our processing activity.

We know from experience that taking a highly responsible, risk-based, single generation approach will generate a long term return both for the local community and the farmers operating in the area.

The restocking of Scalloway also gives the opportunity of additional volumes of Shetland salmon at a time when there is significant shortage of supply in all markets. These volumes will help Scottish Sea Farms support the market demand from our valued UK customers as well as to develop growth in export markets.

Stephen Divers, managing director of Fusion Marine added: “We are delighted to be able to continue to support Scottish Sea Farms with their requirements; this business brings valued activity for us and helps us to sustain a return and employment in Scotland.

SSF has worked closely with the other companies operating in Shetland to secure an Area Management Agreement for the Scalloway area. This brings a risk based approach to farming in the area and secures a collective commitment to best husbandry practice and welfare.

Co-operation throughout the hydrographic area extends to the stocking policy, synchronous fallow periods, maintaining good cooperation and communication and also the support of area-wide independent veterinary resources.