 One million fresh salmon meals are consumed each day, it is claimed |
The Scottish salmon business is recovering from a market slump and production should increase from 2007, the industry's national body has said. Scottish Salmon said one million fresh salmon meals were being consumed every day in the UK.
Chief executive Sid Patten said this should mean greater security for jobs and Highlands and Islands communities dependent on fish farming.
The industry's critics said farming caused environmental problems.
Scottish Salmon - the short form for the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation - said the business was emerging from a difficult period.
Mr Patten said: "Production of Scottish farmed salmon started to decline in 2004, but UK demand for salmon has continued to enjoy an unprecedented increase.
"With a fair price for the farmer now and forecasted steady increase in production from 2007 this is good news for the farmers and the west coast and islands of Scotland."
Mr Patten added: "The downturn in terms of worldwide low prices meant that salmon farming and aquaculture really had to look at itself and see how and where the industry was going.
"But in more recent times, in the last one or two years, demand has grown considerably to an extent now that we will have to make sure that production in future years continues to meet demand."
'Jobs created'
The chief executive admitted the industry had been dominated by multi-nationals.
Two of the major players in Scotland are Pan Fish and Marine Harvest, which also operate in Europe, Asia and North and South America.
Mr Patten said Scotland should welcome investment - wherever it came from - but said Scottish Salmon had a responsibility to support independent companies.
He said: "What's important is the jobs that are created and the communities that are encouraged by salmon farming in their particular area."
 The fish farming industry has fierce critics |
Mr Patten added: "This industry is going to continue to grow and provide more jobs in the future.
"There has been an element of consolidation in the industry and I am sure to some extent that will continue, but there are a number of small independent, indigenous companies and we want to make sure they are encouraged to grow."
Meanwhile, campaign group Pure Salmon will be running Farmed Salmon Exposed - Global Week of Action from 9-14 October.
It accuses the industry of practices which expose wild fish to sea lice and disease.
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There are a number of small independent, indigenous companies and we want to make sure they are encouraged to grow
