Salmon farmers review environmental impact report
WEST coast salmon farmers are considering a hard-hitting parliamentary report about environmental impacts, writes Kathie Griffiths.
The report, out this week, from Holyrood’s environment, climate change and land reform committee has warned the planned expansion of salmon farming over the next 10 to 15 years is unsustainable and could, unless there are changes, cause ‘irrecoverable damage’.
Its findings are being reviewed by Marine Harvest, which has 49 sea farms on the west coast. Steve Bracken, business support manager for Marine Harvest, said: ‘We are disappointed at some of the findings but are currently reviewing it and will respond in detail.’
Scottish Sea Farms managing director Jim Gallagher said: ‘We will respond, as an industry, but the wellbeing of our salmon and the environment in which they live is, and always will be, our priority. We’re working closely with the Scottish Government to produce a new Farmed Fish Health Framework that will bring about further advances in this area.’
One of the industry’s other big producers, The Scottish Salmon Company, did not want to comment independently.
However, the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) told The Oban Times the industry does have ‘strong regulatory compliance’ and is working with the support of the Scottish Government, SEPA and scientific bodies to make better headway in managing fish health and environmental problems.
The sector spends around £10m per year in research and more than £50m in new equipment and techniques to understand and manage health and environmental problems. ‘However, we accept progress must be better demonstrated and we are working with the Scottish Government, SEPA and scientific bodies to make better headway,’ added the SSPO.
Committee convener Graeme Dey MSP said: ‘The committee is supportive of aquaculture but expansion must be based on a precautionary approach and on resolving environmental problems.’
Andrew Graham-Stewart, director of Salmon and Trout Conservation Scotland (STCS), said: ‘This is vindication of what we have been arguing for many years now, often in the face of denials and opposition from within the Scottish Government and Scottish public authorities, that opencage salmon farming in sea lochs is way out of balance with the environment, particularly with the conservation of wild salmon and sea trout.’