Innovation in Scottish salmon farming nears £200m

February 26, 2026

Report shows that strategic, long‑term investment is crucial to sustaining progress across the sector

A major independent review has revealed that almost £200 million of innovation activity has been delivered across Scotland’s salmon farming sector since 2018, demonstrating the scale, maturity, and collaborative strength of the country’s aquaculture innovation ecosystem.

The analysis - conducted by research consultancy Frontline and commissioned jointly by the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) and Salmon Scotland - identified 268 publicly supported projects valued at more than £183 million.

Collaborative progress across key challenge areas

Innovation has expanded across every major facet of salmon farming, with more than £83 million invested in fish health and welfare alone. Projects range from vaccine development and new diagnostic tools to welfare technologies and enhanced prevention strategies.

The review highlights a pipeline of projects translating research into real-world application, with much of the innovation emerging through partnerships between aquaculture companies, universities, and technology providers.

Mairi Gougeon, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, welcomed the findings, commenting:

“Scotland’s track record of innovation indicates the sector will rise to those challenges to ensure the sustainable development of aquaculture into the future.”

SAIC: supporting a thriving innovation landscape

The report credits SAIC as one of the top funders of innovation in the sector and highlights several case studies the organisation has supported, including fish health and welfare, environmental impact and strengthening sector capacity and capabilities.

Commenting on the findings, SAIC’s head of research and innovation Sarah Riddle said the review demonstrates the strength of Scotland’s collaborative approach:

“This report shows the strength and maturity of Scotland’s aquaculture innovation system.

The volume and pace of new ideas reflect exceptional collaboration across industry and academia.

These projects are delivering real‑world impact: better fish health, improved productivity, new technologies, enhanced environmental performance and climate readiness.”

She added that strategic, long‑term investment - and alignment across funding, infrastructure, and regulation - will be crucial to sustaining progress:

“With the right support, Scotland is well placed to build on its achievements and enhance the sector’s resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability.”

Further information, including a link to the full report, is available from the Salmon Scotland website.