SALMON FARMING
Salmon farming is the most important change to have occurred in Scotland in the past 30 years. It has benefited affected individuals and their families, communities, roads and infrastructure, communications, services and the economy. Rising from nothing it now employs more than 6,500 people and is the single most important element in the EU’s aquaculture industry

In 2001 the Scottish salmon farming industry contributed £400 million to Scottish food exports –representing nearly 50% of total Scottish exports. In the same year it produced 145,000 tonnes, of which 2/3rds was consumed in the UK.

The Scottish salmon farming industry is the most tightly regulated aquaculture industry ion the world –scrutinised by ten different statutory authorities and subject to more than 50 pieces of legislation.
Lochcarron and District is a key player in the industry. In the region can be found broodstock facilities, hatcheries, salmon smolt growing units, marine farms and the Inverness College aquaculture training base at Seafield, Kishorn. Salmon farms has been practiced here for 30 years and the skills in the region lead the industry. More than 20% of the industry’s juvenile salmon are grown in the area and over 10% of Scotland’s harvested salmon come from its marine farms.
For a full briefing on the industry, its product and what it means to the economy, see the Scottish Quality Salmon website
http://www.scottishsalmon.co.uk
 

SHELLFISH FARMING
Lochcarron & District is home to farms growing scallops, mussels and oysters.