Launched today in Glasgow, the online information service has been set up to achieve widespread recognition and understanding of the contribution that the sector makes to the economy, rural sustainability and the national diet.
The initial partner organisations are Shetland Aquaculture, The Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers, The Seafish Industry Authority, The Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation and Seafood Shetland.
Aquaculture has growing significance in Scotland's economy. It was valued in excess of £400million in 2006, and rising.It is one of the foremost food producing sectors in rural Scotland, second only to beef at £467m. The caught fish sector is valued at £370m, with the sheep sector at £151m and the pig industry at £57m.
And, it's this kind of infomration the AIB wants to get across to journalists, political representatives and the general publicon it;s new website - www.aquaculture.org.uk
Broadcaster Sally Magnusson launched the site and said she was fascinated by aquaculture’s development in Scotland. Ms Magnusson admitted that until now, she didn’t realise the industry made such a major contribution to the rural economy.
Sid Patten, Chief Executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO), said the AIB would ensure that aquaculture’s contribution to Scotland, the UK and Europe in terms of size, strength and dynamism was properly understood by a wide variety of audiences..uk.uk