The United Kingdom’s move to exit from the European Union may harden its seafood exports to the EU countries. The most important part to be affected seems to be seafood produced in Scotland, part of the United Kingdom covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain.

Brexit could have a “potentially devastating” effect on the value of Scottish seafood exports, which rose by 23 percent last year to £944 million. Scottish farmed salmon accounted for £600 million of Scottish seafood exports, but politicians warned that Brexit could have severe consequences – given that 40 percent of Scottish food and drink exports go to the EU market. Overall Scottish food and drink exports were valued at about £6 billion, of which food exports were worth £1.6 billion – an increase of 15 percent (£214 million) during the same period. Exports of food to Europe were worth £1.1 billion after an increase of 13 percent, or £125 million – enhancing concerns over the possible impact of Brexit. James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink said: "It is particularly important to see our food exports increasing in Asia and North America, following in the footsteps of our number one export, Scotch Whisky, which is firmly back into its growth phase. However, Europe remains the top destination for many of our products, emphasizing the need for a Brexit process which protects this vital trade.” "Sales of Scottish food have now risen more 130% in a decade, but we have greater potential still. Our industry has an ambition to double the value of its sales overseas and in our home market to £30 billion by 2030. Today marks an important step along that road.”