Scottish Government offer assistance to Shellfish Sector

Scottish shellfish farmers are hopeful of Government action to help them realise the potential of their industry, according to the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers (ASSG).

The ASSG believes that the sector could expand twenty-fold without harming the environment and, in doing so, boost the industry value to over £120m annually.

In a meeting with Scotland's environment minister Michael Russell MSP, Doug McLeod, chairman of the ASSG, explained that demand for shellfish is growing steadily, but Scotland is failing to cash in on the potential earnings.

This industry is currently producing around 5,000 tonnes of shellfish annually, most of which is mussels, with some oysters and scallops.