Market – January 15, 2025
Planning granted: Mowi Scotland’s new farm to support 3,000 tonnes and 7 jobs
Mowi receives approval for high-energy salmon farm in South Uist.
Mowi has announced the development of a new high-energy, open sea salmon farm at Stulaigh South in South Uist, following the granting of planning permission in December.
The farm will feature six 200-meter pens and will hold a maximum biomass of 3,000 tonnes, representing a significant addition to Mowi’s operations in the region.
This project is expected to create seven new jobs and strengthen the local economy in the Outer Hebrides, an area where aquaculture plays a vital role in employment and community development.
The Stulaigh South farm will operate in a high-energy marine environment, a setting that supports natural water exchange and fosters conditions for optimal fish health.
What are high-energy sites?
A “high-energy farm” in aquaculture typically refers to a fish farming site located in an area of the ocean with strong currents, higher wave activity, and good water exchange. These conditions create a more dynamic environment for the farmed fish and offer several benefits, including:
- Enhanced Water Quality: The strong currents and natural water movement help ensure continuous oxygenation and dispersal of waste, reducing the risk of harmful build-up near the pens.
- Fish Health and Growth: The natural currents encourage the fish to swim more, mimicking their behavior in the wild. This can lead to stronger, healthier fish with better muscle development.
- Improved Sustainability: High-energy environments can reduce the environmental impact of fish farming by dispersing organic waste over a wider area, minimizing the risk of localized seabed degradation.
- Larger Production Capacities: The robust conditions in high-energy sites often allow for higher stocking densities and larger pen systems, making them suitable for farms with significant production goals.
