UK fisheries minister explores how Shetland salmon farming boosts local economy

New UK fisheries minister Daniel Zeichner observed first-hand how farmed salmon is benefiting coastal communities during a visit to a leading Shetland producer. The Labour MP toured Scottish Sea Farms’ Vidlin salmon farm and processing facility at Gremista, Lerwick, which, along with other sites, provides well-paid year-round jobs across the islands. Zeichner praised the sector’s role in supporting local communities and emphasised the importance of working with aquaculture to strengthen food security.

He was welcomed to Vidlin by Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland; Jim Gallagher, managing director of Scottish Sea Farms; and Richard Darbyshire, the company’s Shetland regional manager. He also met with head of processing Donald Buchanan and other company workers.

Scottish salmon is the UK’s largest food export, with recent HMRC figures showing international sales on course for a new record after jumping by 41% to £431 million in the first six months of 2024. Further analysis by Salmon Scotland reveals that Shetland's exports rose to more than £150 million over the past year, directly supporting 470 local jobs. 

17,200 tonnes from Shetland

A regional breakdown of HMRC figures shows that 17,200 tonnes of salmon worth £153 million were exported from Shetland in the 12 months to June. Scotland's farmed salmon sector directly employs more than 2,500 people in Scotland and supports over 3,600 suppliers and an additional 10,000 indirect jobs.

The UK's new Labour government has highlighted the importance of salmon farming to the economy and pledged to promote fish as part of a “Brand Scotland” initiative, using the UK’s network of embassies and consulates. Zeichner was appointed as a Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs minister on July 8 and previously served in the shadow fisheries role since January 2020.

He said: “It has been insightful to see first-hand the work of our dedicated salmon farmers and hear their views for a sustainable future for this iconic Scottish product. Only by engaging with industry can we create more secure, sustainable, and economically successful fishing and aquaculture sectors that will in turn support local communities. From boosting fishing opportunities to knocking down obstructive trade barriers, this government will work to support the UK’s great fisheries and aquaculture businesses, including those in the Shetland Islands and across Scotland. Food security is national security, and working with our seafood sector is key to achieving that.”

Skilled farmers

Salmon Scotland's Scott said: “Having the UK minister responsible for salmon farming in Shetland so early in his new job is excellent. We welcome the new UK Government’s commitment to growing the economy and securing a new trade arrangement with the EU, which would be very important for salmon exports and the entire seafood industry. 

"I am particularly pleased that Daniel has taken time this week to meet skilled local fish farmers to see for himself their dedication to the salmon in their care. We look forward to working with Daniel and his UK Government colleagues to export even more Scottish salmon and bring additional wealth to the country.”

Richard Darbyshire, Scottish Sea Farms’ regional manager for Shetland, said: “Nothing beats seeing first-hand the investments being made in our infrastructure and fish husbandry practices, and the quality of salmon being produced from Shetland’s waters. It’s results like these that give us, as a regional team and as a company, the drive to grow our operations further - and, hopefully, give stakeholders even more reason to champion this low-impact food source.”