Scottish Sea Farms’ Shetland operations sees major improvements following acquisition of Grieg Seafood.
Scottish Sea Farms’ acquisition of Grieg Seafood in Shetland nearly three years ago has led to significant improvements in the region’s salmon farming operations, according to the company.
A programme of investment, consolidation, and restructuring has produced what has been described as “game-changing” results.
Upgrades to marine farms, shore bases, predator netting, and biosecurity protocols have all contributed to improved performance.
Additionally, a unique water monitoring system specific to Shetland has enhanced environmental management. These changes have resulted in better survival rates, improved growth, lower production costs, and larger average harvest weights.
Shetland Regional Production Manager Richard Darbyshire highlighted the impact of new management structures, including the introduction of two Area Managers and enhanced communication with Farm Managers.
“Farm Managers are now responsible for both biological performance and production costs,” Darbyshire said, noting that production costs have fallen while biological performance has improved.
One of the best-performing sites is the Coledeep farm, where average live weight increased from 4.99kg to 5.5kg between 2022 and 2024. Farm Manager Laurie Manson attributed the improvement to stronger connections between management, farm managers, and health teams.
The company has also consolidated its estate, expanded some farms, and invested in new pens, moorings, and a double-netting system designed to reduce seal-related fish deaths. This system will be rolled out across the region by mid-2025.
Shore bases and the fleet have also been upgraded, including a new base at Trondra and improvements to boats and barges. Innovations from Grieg Seafood have been retained, such as a water analysis lab in Lerwick that monitors phytoplankton and micro jellyfish.
John Blance, Area Support Manager, credited the integration of the two companies for the advances, noting that the knowledge exchange has transformed operations. “We’ve come a long way, and the two teams are working as one to deliver some of the region’s best results yet,” said Darbyshire.
