Farm-raised salmon is having a significant positive social impact in Orkney and the Northern Isles, according to a new economic impact report.
The study by Cooke Aquaculture Scotland shows that a new farm can help tackle local depopulation, with wages across the aquaculture sector almost 25% higher than the Orkney average and 8.6% higher than the country as a whole.
Add to that the benefit to local businesses, schools, ferries, shops and cafes and it becomes clear why many are welcoming plans for a new Cooke Aquaculture Scotland farm 3km offshore to the east of Papa Westray.
“The farm-raised Scottish salmon sector is responsible for creating thousands of high-paid, skilled and rewarding local jobs,” said James Park, head of insights at Salmon Scotland.
“Our member companies like Cooke Aquaculture Scotland are at the heart of our island communities, as this report shows. In many places the salmon farms help keep the local community alive, the school open, and support many local businesses.”
Cooke Aquaculture first arrived in Orkney in 2014 and now employs 122 across the islands. The proposed East Moclett farm would add six new jobs and be serviced out of Cooke’s Westray shorebase.
The development has been fully assessed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and all required modelling and data collection has been undertaken. No issues or objections have been expressed from any statutory consultee or regulator, reports the company.
