Scottish salmon survival rates reach record highs amid £1 billion investment in technology.
Survival rates for farmed salmon in Scotland reached a record high in the first half of 2025, according to new data published by Salmon Scotland.
Average monthly survival between January and June was 99.12 percent, the highest figure since the voluntary publication of mortality data began in 2018. The improvement follows over £1 billion in sector-wide investment since 2018 in veterinary care, technology, and stock management systems aimed at improving fish health and environmental conditions.
The industry also reported that cumulative mortality fell by more than a third in 2024, with overall survival rising to 82.3 percent, up from 72.3 percent the previous year.
Higher survival rates contributed to increased sales of Scottish salmon. Exports rose by 45 percent to a record £844 million in 2024, while domestic sales increased by 9.1 percent in the 12 months to June 2024, maintaining salmon’s status as the UK’s top-selling fish.
“These figures demonstrate our members’ commitment to fish health and welfare, and to responsible farming,” said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland. “The hard work of our farmers, supported by more than a billion pounds of investment in new technology, has been rewarded with survival rates at record highs.”
Scott added that growing demand at home and overseas reflects the sector’s reputation for quality and sustainability, and its economic contribution to coastal communities.
According to Salmon Scotland, measures contributing to the improved performance include the use of freshwater treatment vessels, efforts to shorten marine production cycles, enhanced monitoring systems, and responses to environmental challenges such as jellyfish blooms and warmer sea temperatures.
