Salmon aquaculture
SALMON S
almon farming in Scotland has received significant attention in recent years for two quite different reasons: its impact on the wider marine ecosystem (which was investigated in two parliamentary inquiries in 2018); and the increasingly important contribution it makes to Scotland’s economy – in 2018, salmon production contributed £585 million and employed 1,800 people. The Scottish Wildlife Trust is particularly concerned about the environmental impact that open-cage salmon farming has on the marine environment. Among a number of environmental risks, those of most
28 SCOTTISH WILDLIFE NOVEMBER 2020
AQUACULTURE What are the alternatives
concern are the impact on marine life from farm waste (faeces, uneaten food and medicines); the threat to wild populations from escapees and sea lice; and the impact of acoustic deterrents (or seal scarers) on marine mammals, in particular harbour porpoises. The Trust’s concerns were further elevated in 2017 following the release of the Scottish Government and salmon farming sector’s ambitious new vision to double salmon production by 2030. A growth plan based on ‘business as usual’ aquaculture practices risks exacerbating the environmental impact of an activity considered to be both
to open-cage farming? While open-cage salmon farming brings important economic benefits to Scotland, it also comes with significant cost to the marine environment. Dr Sam Collin explores what practices might be adopted to ensure the sustainable expansion of the industry.
unsustainable and ecologically damaging, and as such could have devastating consequences for Scotland’s marine life. While the environmental impacts of salmon farming are a major concern, it is important to recognise the case for growing the sector. In addition to economic benefits and job creation in coastal and island communities, farmed salmon represents a valuable source of protein-rich food, produced with a relatively low carbon footprint and low consumption of fresh water. At a time when a growing world population places ever greater demands on dwindling natural resources, and faces the
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