The salmon farming industry in Shetland has grown from small beginnings in 1983 to become a vital part of the economic well being of the community, a major private sector employer and the mainstay on which many businesses have started or flourished and prospered.

This report gives some detailed statistics that serve to give testimony to the salmon farming industry and its place as a natural extension to Shetland's long tradition in working the sea. It highlights the fact that the industry provides 1165 direct and ancilliary jobs. To this can be added the wealth generation that comes to the service sector, the hotels, car hirers, garages etc.

It is perhaps astonishing to many that the outgoing P&O Scottish Ferries was in no doubt that there would not have been a case for a second vessel allowing a daily service to and from Aberdeen were it not for the freight generated by the salmon industry. This fact obviously has great significance for other sectors of our economy, not least fish processing and tourism.

The industry is currently undergoing a period of severe price pressure from the UK and EU retail multiples. It is safe to say that should this situation continue for a further year the whole industry will be run form Norway. The reason for this is that the enormous financial risks being carried by local owners will become intolerable.

The industry needs the support of the Shetland community from the Town Hall and down to the man in the street to ensure the industry continues to bring the employment opportunities to the outlying areas of Shetland that it serves.

I thank elected council representatives for their support in the past and hope they will continue to work with us to combat the incresing levels of bureaucracy arrayed against us and give strong support to what is the largest private sector employer in the islands.

Gibbie Johnson
CHAIRMAN 1998 - 2003
Shetland Salmon
Farmers' Association