MSPs seek tougher rules amid fears on disease in fish farms
SCOTLAND’S salmon industry must be dramatically overhauled before it can expand further, a damning Holyrood report has warned.
MSPs have launched a scathing attack on the sector, narrowly rejecting plans for a moratorium on new farms following growing concerns over rate of disease and sea lice on fish.
They have called for a series of tough new regulations which will see farms forced to report the prevalence of sea lice on a weekly basis, as well as introducing powers to shut down production if strict rules are not enforced.
The Scottish parliament’s rural economy and connectivity committee today publishes its final report into salmon farming in Scotland.
This follows a series of evidence sessions at Holyrood where MSPs heard how farms across Scotland were being plagued by sea lice and disease – with growing concerns about a lack of regulation.
The document contains 65 recommendations, with MSPs stating that the ‘status quo in terms of regulation and enforcement is not acceptable’.
They have demanded that ‘urgent and meaningful action’ is needed to address ‘regulatory deficiencies’ and other issues including ‘fish health and environmental issues’.
Committee convener Edward Mountain said: ‘The salmon farming industry offers significant economic and social value.
‘However, it is essential that the serious challenges it faces such as the control of sea lice, lowering fish mortality rates and reducing the impact on the environment are addressed as a priority.’
Mr Mountain added: ‘The status quo in terms of regulation and enforcement is not acceptable, and we need to raise the bar in Scotland by setting enhanced and more effective standards.’
Experts have raised fears over the death of millions of salmon, with the industry facing major problems.
Heart and gill diseases, anaemia and lice infestations have meant rising mortality numbers. In 2016, Scottish fish farmers admitted they threw away up to ten million farmed salmon – almost a quarter of their stock.
Now the rural economy committee has called for a series of new measures to protect fish – and to promote healthier farming. This will include farms being forced to record weekly how sea lice are spreading, and the impact this is having on their stock.
It would also create a new power meaning farms with soaring mortality rates or prevalence of sea lice could be shut down.
Some experts had called for a moratorium on the expansion of fish farms until new regulations were in place and being followed, but this was blocked by MSPs.
Labour MSP Colin Smyth had backed the plan along with Green MSP John Finnie.
Mr Smyth said: ‘This report needs to act as an urgent wake-up call to both the Scottish Government and industry. The soft-touch approach to regulation is not fit for purpose and has failed to keep up with growth in the industry.’
Don Staniford, director of Scottish Salmon Watch, said: ‘The closing down of Scotland’s worst salmon farms must happen as a matter of urgency. Scottish salmon farming is an environmental and welfare nightmare.’
Last night Julie Hesketh-Laird, chief executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, said: ‘We welcome today’s report and note the committee’s recognition of the opportunities for well-regulated, sustainable growth in order that the industry can continue to offer economic and social value to Scotland.’
‘Urgent wake-up call to industry’