Acoustic devices to face review

Scottish salmon farming chiefs are to review the use of acoustic devices by the industry to deter seals.

The Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) said it would help to make sure farms comply with an expected tighter enforcement of current EU legislation for the protection of marine mammals by the Scottish Government.

SSPO added the review was being undertaken after discussions with Marine Scotland – the Scottish Government agency responsible for aquaculture – and risk assessments would be carried out through the two organisations working together.

Marine Scotland officials will then assess the information produced by the sector and decide whether European Protected Species licences may be required for some sites

“They have a duty to care for the welfare of their fish”

in the future. Salmon farmers are required by law to protect their fish and acoustic devices are a vital part of the management techniques to help prevent attack by a growing population of seals.

SSPO sustainability director Anne Anderson said: “It is critical that, like any farmer, salmon farmers have a suite of deterrents, each of which offers a different protection against predation, particularly as they have a statutory duty to care for the welfare of their fish.

“This move shows the salmon farming sector is serious about its longterm sustainability and its commitment to openness and transparency.

“It also reinforces the sector’s call for robust and intelligent regulation to enable it to operate, plan and grow sustainably.”