SSPO says ‘harmful’ seal deterrents have been dropped
SCOTLAND’S salmon farmers have stopped using acoustic seal deterrents that have been shown to disturb protected marine mammals.The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation said that only acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) that have been shown to comply with both the requirements of Marine Scotland and US regulations are now being used by its members.
ADDs are used by fish farmers, as well as the offshore construction sector.There has been concern, however, that some devices can disturb and disorientate cetaceans such as whales and dolphins.
Anne Anderson, Director of Sustainability for the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) said:“Scottish salmon farmers are not using any acoustic deterrent devices that may have been considered to endanger cetaceans such as dolphins, porpoises and whales. All devices the sector does not have total confidence in, with regards to the harming of protected species, have been turned off and removed from the marine environment.
“It is critical however that farmers have deterrents available to protect their livestock from seal predation.As such the Scottish salmon farming sector is committed to, where necessary, only using acoustic devices that have been scientifically proven to be compliant with the US Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA).”
The MMMPA puts a bar on seafood imports from jurisdictions where “harmful” ADDs are operated. Marine Scotland has been asked to report to the Scottish Parliament on how it thinks Scotland should seek to comply with the US rules.
The SSPO is working with Marine Scotland and academic institutions to encourage the development of effective ADDs that can protect fish without harming