MSPs to probe killer fish farming diseases
MSPs are to launch an inquiry into killer diseases threatening farmed salmon.
Millions of fish in Scotland have died as the industry faces major problems, including a ‘crisis’ caused by sea lice.
A powerful Holyrood committee plans to investigate the future of farmed salmon amid fears that high mortality rates will hit output and bring rising costs for producers – which could be handed on to consumers.
Pressure group the Global Alliance Against Industrial Aquaculture recently revealed that nearly 2.3million salmon died in the first nine months of last year at Marine Harvest, one of Scotland’s largest fish farm operators.
There were a number of causes including heart and gill diseases, lice infestations and anaemia. Yesterday, Edward Mountain, convener of the Scottish parliament’s environment committee, announced an investigation into the sector.
He said: ‘The farmed salmon industry is clearly of great significance in economic terms to Scotland, and this is an industry that plans to develop and increase production.
‘However, it also currently faces a variety of challenges, such as managing farmed salmon health – particularly concerning sea lice and gill disease – its environmental impact and dealing with climate change.’
This week it was revealed that salmon farmers will publish data on sea lice and mortality rates amid a parasite crisis which is contributing to the death of millions of fish.
There are also concerns that lice and disease are spreading among populations of wild fish.
A study carried out at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research found ‘a general and pervasive negative effect of salmon lice on salmonid populations in intensively farmed areas of Ireland, Norway and Scotland’.
The lice have become increasingly resistant to chemicals used to limit their spread and growth.
In 2016, Scottish fish farmers admitted they threw away up to ten million farmed salmon – almost a quarter of their stock.
Mr Mountain added: ‘The inquiry is an opportunity for people to voice their views and opinions on the current state of the salmon industry, opportunities for its future development, and its environmental impact.
‘In the coming months we will gather evidence from producers, processors and others directly involved in the salmon industry, environmental organisations and Scotland’s food and drink sector.
‘It’s crucial that we access the valuable knowledge, experience and expertise of everyone in Scotland with an interest in the future of the salmon industry to help shape our work in this area.’