In a sharp exchange over proposed regulatory changes, Scottish salmon producers have condemned a recent vote by Tory peers that introduces new powers to shut down fish farms in cases of environmental or welfare breaches.
The legislation, amended through an initiative led by Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, would give the Crown Estate the authority to revoke licences from salmon farms that are deemed to cause ecological harm or pose animal welfare risks.
Lord Forsyth, a former Scottish secretary, defended his amendment, stating that salmon farming “has resulted in environmental damage to wild fish populations and threatened other species,” according to The Telegraph. He raised concerns over sea lice and “toxic” chemical treatments, which he described as “highly dangerous.”
The amendment was passed with a majority of 220 votes to 139 in the House of Lords. Lord Forsyth received backing from Tory peers and opposition from Labour, with the bill scheduled for a third reading on 18 November. Although the legislation is confined to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Forsyth argued it could exert pressure on Scotland to adopt similar measures.
Salmon Scotland, the trade association representing Scottish salmon farmers, lashed out at what it termed an alliance of Tory peers with “extreme eco-activists.” The group voiced frustration that “a group of unelected Conservative lords have jumped into bed with extreme eco-activists and the Greens,” calling the legislation an unnecessary intervention in a sector that is already “highly regulated” in Scotland, with what it claims to be “the highest animal welfare standards anywhere in the world.”
Lord Forsyth rebuffed the criticism, telling The Telegraph: “It is typical of the arrogance of Salmon Scotland that they do not acknowledge the huge damage they have done to the wild salmon population. If they say they have such high standards, how on earth could they be against an amendment which simply requires the Crown Estate to consider animal welfare and environmental standards?”
Scottish authorities have previously noted significant challenges within the industry, including concerns over the spread of sea lice and diseases among wild populations, attributed in part to farmed salmon escapees. Sea lice infestations, amplified by high temperatures and micro-jellyfish, have continued to generate scrutiny around the environmental practices of Scotland’s fish farming sector.
However, Salmon Scotland recently reported an improved survival rate of 98% in September, traditionally a challenging month for farmed salmon survival.
The Crown Estate, which holds the majority of the UK’s seabed, confirmed that the new legislation will not extend to Scotland, where aquaculture regulations fall under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Government and are enforced by agencies such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
A Crown Estate Scotland spokesperson stated, “Aquaculture operations in Scotland are regulated by a number of bodies, including SEPA, and overseen by the Scottish Government. Crown Estate Scotland engages with these regulatory bodies to ensure responsible management.”
As the salmon farming industry faces mounting pressure from environmental groups and regulatory bodies, the potential for further regulatory action looms.
Ronan O’Hara, chief executive of Crown Estate Scotland, expressed that mortality rates among farmed salmon are “holding steady and fluctuating rather than worsening.” He added, “The best way to drive change is to support change, and my inclination is that the industry is already incentivised economically to want to improve mortality rates.”
