Lochaber Committee raises concerns over major salmon escape in Loch Linnhe.
The Highland Council’s Lochaber Committee has voiced serious concern after an estimated 75,000 farmed salmon escaped from the Mowi-operated Gorsten fish farm in Upper Loch Linnhe during Storm Amy.
Members described the incident as one of the most significant escapes in Scottish aquaculture in recent years and noted expert warnings that even limited survival of escaped fish could affect local river systems, including the Sallachan, Kaichnish, Lochy, Lundy, Loy and Nevis. Risks highlighted include genetic impacts on endangered wild salmon, the spread of disease and sea lice, and competition with native species.
The Committee also noted previous Scottish Parliament reports citing under-regulation, limited transparency and the absence of a robust penalty regime for escapes, as well as similar incidents at Colonsay, Kames and Loch Shin.
Councillors agreed a series of actions. The Area Chair will write to Mowi Scotland seeking full disclosure of the scale of the escape, details of emergency procedures and steps being taken to recover stock. Letters will also be sent to Marine Scotland, NatureScot and SEPA requesting updates on investigations and planned enforcement.
The Council Leader will write to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands urging the Scottish Government to accelerate its planned penalty system, increase resources for environmental oversight and pause any new aquaculture proposals in Loch Linnhe pending a cumulative impact assessment.
The matter will be referred to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee for wider consideration.
