It is estimated that fish and shellfish farming contributes £620 million to the Scottish national economy annually. The Scottish aquaculture industry supports 12,000 jobs and production has increased by a third between 2005 and 2015, from 142,000 to 188,000 tonnes, according to a government commissioned study.

Finfish reared in the sea represents the majority of aquaculture production in Scotland by both weight and value. This is almost entirely composed of farmed Atlantic salmon, grown in floating cages moored in sheltered sea loch locations in the Highlands and Islands region.

Atlantic salmon production accounts for 90% of aquaculture value, supporting 10,340 full-time equivalent jobs and generating £540 million in gross value added (GVA). Trout, mussels and oysters contribute most of the remaining 10% value.