Scottish aquaculture could double by 2030

SCOTTISH aquaculture production could double by 2030 according to a group of leading figures in the industry.
Stewart Graham, managing director of Gael Force Group, and Dennis Overton, chair of Aquascot, are co-chairing the group which also includes members representing the entire supply chain in aquaculture.
They plan to set out a strategy for growth, and believe there is potential to double aquaculture’s current contribution of £1.8 billion a year.
Their vision, called the Scottish Aquaculture 2030 Vision for Growth, will be published later this year.
The document will back an ambitious vision for sustainable growth with practical recommendations, which the group intends to be time-bound for implementation.
The strategy will cover the entire supply chain, including farming, equipment supply, infrastructure, processing, research and innovation, the role of the public sector, and marketing.
The report will feed into Scotland Food and Drink’s overall industry strategy for 2017-2030 
Stewart Graham said: ‘There’s an opportunity for Scotland’s aquaculture sector to generate up to double its existing annual contribution to the Scottish economy.
‘And it can do so in a way that continues to be sustainable socially, economically and environmentally.
‘With industry and public sector leadership on this, the gains can be significant, long term and wide reaching – benefiting all of the wider stakeholder group including local communities and young people, as well as Scotland plc.’
 Over the coming months, the group will gather evidence and recommendations from a wide range of stakeholders in Scottish aquaculture.
 Dennis Overton (pictured) said: ‘We intend this report to inspire ambition and follow-up from multiple stakeholders in Scottish aquaculture – among them, SMEs, multi-nationals, industry organisations, government, public bodies and investors.
 ‘All these stakeholders have a part to play in generating substantial growth to 2030, and the report will provide them with the vision, the map and the tools to do so.’