23 January 2012

Salmon filling the fish gap - public lecture, Tuesday January 24th

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: 6:45pm, Tuesday January 24th, Tower Building, University of Dundee,

* Increased demand has brought benefits to Scottish economy - over 400 jobs created in last two years

Farmed salmon has been one of Scotland's most successful sectors during the economic downturn, according to one of the industry's leading technical experts.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Tayside and Fife branch of the British Science Association at Dundee University on Tuesday January 24th, Dr John Webster, Technical Director of Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, will report that employment in the salmon farming industry increased by 15% in 2010 and, when official figures for 2011 are confirmed later this month, they are expected to show another healthy increase, bringing the total number of jobs created to over 400 during the last two years.

In his talk, titled 'Fish Farming: How to Grow Fish for Your Supper', Dr Webster will report that the increase in employment and the rise in demand for salmon has been helped by sustained investment in new technologies. He will also provide an insight into the evolution of technology and the key areas of industry research and development.

Over £150million has been invested over the last five years alone and significant further investment is planned for 2012, including the opening of a multi-million pound processing facility in Rosyth later this year.

"Fish farming is one of the fastest growing food-producing sectors in the world," said Dr Webster.

"Global demand for fish is increasing as a result of increases in the population and a rise in the average consumption per person. However, almost 90 per cent of global fish and shellfish farming takes place in China and the Far East; only 3% takes place within Europe.

"Without farming, which now provides over half of the global supply of seafood, there would be severe shortages in fish supplies," he added.

Dr Jon Urch, Public Outreach Coordinator, University of Dundee, said: "We're delighted to be hosting John Webster at this British Science Association lecture on a crucial Scottish industry. "

"Everyone is welcome to this free event to hear from John and then ask him their questions."

Notes to editors:

1. Dr John Webster will give a lecture between 7pm - 8pm in the D'Arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre, Tower Building, University of Dundee on Tuesday 24th January. Admission is free and non-bookable.
2. For further information, visit www.britishscienceassociation-taysidefife.org/lectures/
3. 90% of Scottish salmon companies feel 'very confident' or 'confident' about future demand for health-enhancing salmon; 70% of companies expressed a desire to grow sustainably over the next five years, and; 78% of companies plan to increase staff over the next five years. Source: Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation Business Confidence Survey, January 2011.

For further information, call Jon Urch, University of Dundee, on 01382 386669 or Ken Hughes, Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation,07974 173739.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
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