Analysis of the growth potential of the UK aquaculture sector

Seafish identified a pressing need to analyse and communicate - to government, regulators, industry and the investment community - the economic ‘size of the prize’ associated with sustainable bivalve aquaculture growth in the UK. This project, therefore, examined the potential for growth of the bivalve aquaculture industry at a UK level and then, because policy and regulatory frameworks differ between Devolved Administrations (DAs), granulated at the DA level. The aim of this study has been to highlight the growth potential for bivalve aquaculture in the UK and its Devolved Administrations (DAs). To achieve this, this study identified and categorised (in terms of significance and tractability) the range of barriers and opportunities that will be most important for growth of the UK’s bivalve aquaculture sector. In addition, within this work three conceptual growth scenarios have been developed for UK bivalve aquaculture between 2020-2040. Specifically, the study examined the UKs bivalve aquaculture industry and its potential for future growth by focusing on completing the following tasks: 1. Production - Analysis of the UK’s bivalve aquaculture production; 2. Demand - Analysis of demand for the UK’s bivalves in both the domestic (UK) and international market; 3. Spatial analysis - Delineation and mapping of suitable aquaculture development areas throughout inshore and offshore UK waters; 4. Growth targets and the ‘size of the prize’ - Development of conceptual model for future growth of the industry between 2020-2040; and 5. Case studies – Case study analysis to identify factors which may enhance the UK bivalve industry, including competitive advantages that could be exploited. This provided a holistic approach to development of a strategic pan-UK picture of the potential of bivalve aquaculture in order to help inform Seafish’s action over the coming years. Additionally, this should also act as a resource for potential investors to aid in decision making and highlight the ‘size of the prize’ that the growth potential for bivalve aquaculture in the UK represents.