Survival rates for farmed salmon in Scotland reached record highs in the first quarter of 2026, according to new industry data published by Salmon Scotland.
Average monthly survival between January and March reached 99.03 percent, marginally above the previous Q1 record of 99.02 percent set in 2025.
March survival reached 99.1 percent, the highest figure recorded for the month since reporting began in 2018, surpassing the previous March record of 98.98 percent last year.
The industry body said the improvement follows more than £1 billion ($1.33 billion) of investment since 2018 in areas including fish health, veterinary care, freshwater treatment vessels, monitoring systems and stock management.
The Scottish salmon sector reported average monthly survival of around 98.3 percent across 2025.
“Record survival rates are encouraging and reflect the dedication of farmers across Scotland’s coastal communities,” said Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott.
Scott said the figures also reflected sustained investment in fish health, technology and farm management practices.
Scottish salmon remains the UK’s largest food export, with international sales reaching £828 million ($1.1 billion) in 2025, according to Salmon Scotland. The industry body said domestic sales were worth £1.5 billion ($2 billion).
The sector contributes nearly £1 billion annually to the Scottish economy and supports around 11,000 jobs, many in rural and coastal communities, the organisation said.
Salmon Scotland publishes monthly farm-level mortality and survival statistics for the sector.