Aquaculture is the breeding and rearing of shellfish and finfish (mainly salmon and trout) for food, and finfish for restocking lakes and rivers for angling. It does not include sea fishing or the management of river fisheries.
The work of a fish farmer is varied and includes a wide range of skills. This includes the maintenance of equipment and cages and ensuring the health and welfare of the fish stock. In addition he is responsible for the safety of the stock and control of poaching.
There are just over a thousand aquaculture businesses in the UK, employing almost 3,500 people. Nearly two thirds of these businesses are in Scotland.
