Scottish government says no further regulation needed on salmon mortality.
The Scottish Government said additional regulation is not required to address salmon mortality on Scottish farms, following a new research report into fish deaths in the sector.
A study by the government’s Marine Directorate into “persistent elevated mortality in salmon farming in Scotland” found that sustained high levels of fish deaths are not a widespread issue across marine farms.
The report states the industry is already taking action to reduce mortality, including the use of seal nets, breeding programmes and vaccination.
Mairi Gougeon said the past year had seen “significant improvements to the resilience, transparency and sustainability of Scottish salmon farming”.
“We have worked with the sector to ensure it develops sustainably and brings lasting benefits to our rural and island communities,” Gougeon said.
“We have made our consenting and regulatory frameworks clearer and more robust. We have continued to invest in innovation to support the sector to improve fish health and welfare outcomes, address the causes of mortality, mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce adverse impacts on the environment.”
Gougeon also said the government would continue working with producers to reduce mortality levels further.
“Scottish salmon is a high quality, home grown nutritious product, which is internationally renowned and commands a premium price in the market in recognition of its quality,” she said.
“That’s why it is in everyone’s best interests to manage mortality in salmon farms down to the lowest possible levels. This preliminary research is welcome, but we expect producers to continue prioritising action in this area across all sites.”
The findings were presented to the Scottish Parliament Rural Affairs and Islands Committee as part of ongoing government work to review and modernise aquaculture regulation in Scotland.