Fish farming is damaging migratory fish stocks

There are numerous factors which have contributed to the collapse of migratory fish stocks, some of which are still not understood. This majestic area was renowned for its plentiful migratory stocks.

I find it incredulous that marine farming seems to be developed with such lack of accountability on both the farmers’ part and local government.

I count 46 cages in Loch Etive from OSMaps satellite images. I find it surprising in these days of (supposedly) responsible environmental governance that such a concentration of farms is encouraged, and will presumably be increased. The rightful importance of local employment is often highlighted. I spoke to a local who said they tend to bring in their own workers.

The recent escape of thousands of rainbow trout is environmental pollution. Rainbow trout are an alien species. Are there significant fines for these polluters, which can then be put back into effective policing?

The televised footage of lorry loads of dead, presumably diseased, fish being discarded put me in mind of a comparison. If these were sheep, cows or hens, what would be the public and agency response?

Farmed salmon has taken pressure off the wild stocks, but also created a market for itself. Has the undeniable yet largely unquantified effect marine farming has on migratory stocks been explored? I doubt it.

And why are closed containment systems not being utilised?

It genuinely surprises me when there has been the collapse of migratory fish stocks of the magnitude there has been in this area, that governance appears so sterile.

Loch Etive’s marine environment, I believe, is significantly polluted. Invasive escapees, chemicals from the drugs used and, of course, sea lice.

Alastair T Aitken, by email.