Top of page picture by Stewart Cunningham is of a wild salmon in its natural habitat at Potts of Gartness on Loch Lomondside. Compare this with LEFT a dead or dying fish which escaped from a salmon farm.
By Bill Heaney, Tuesday 12.00.
Farmed salmon like Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s most profitable exports.
But there is widespread concern over the high mortality rates of the fish and the enviromental damage caused by pollution from salmon farming to the West Coast seabed and fresh water lochs and rivers.
Now, criticism is growing that the Scottish government is ignoring the concerns of environmentalists and wild salmon anglers by allowing multi-national companies to carry on regardless with their £billion businesses virtually unregulated.
The Scottish Salmon industry has spin doctors working feverishly to protect their reputation, according to a new investigation by journalists at The Ferret and which is published on their website today (Monday).
They empoly Edinburgh-based Quantum Communications, which was estalished in 2018 and is headed up by Alan Roden and Flavia Paterson.
This communications agency brings together Scottish and UK political insiders. They include Alan Roden, Scottish Labour’s former communications director who was also a senior advisor to a number of Labour politicians.
Prior to that he was Scottish political editor of the Daily Mail. Flavia Paterson, meanwhile, was director of communications for the Scotland Office when it was run by David Mundell. Her previous business roles include head of corporate affairs for energy giant SSE.
The Ferret reveals: “This communications agency brings together Scottish and UK political insiders. They include Alan Roden, Scottish Labour’s former communications director who was also a senior advisor to a number of Labour politicians.
“Prior to that he was Scottish political editor of the Daily Mail. Flavia Paterson, meanwhile, was director of communications for the Scotland Office when it was run by David Mundell. Her previous business roles include head of corporate affairs for energy giant SSE.
“Notable clients include fish farming industry body Salmon Scotland. Last June The Ferret reported that the UK Government threw out more than 20 objections to the Scottish fish farming industry’s successful bid to remove the word “farmed” from the official name of its salmon.
“Quantum also represents whisky firm Chivas Brothers, Muir Mhor Offshore Wind Farm and charities like music project Sistema Scotland.
“One founder has been in both journalism and politics, the other in politics, three staff are former journalists and three have worked in politics.”
Other local companies/organisations shelling out large amounts of mkoney for spin doctors include Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and West Dunbartonshire Council which, at one time was said to be spending £500,000 a year on communications.
Quantum’s website states: “Working across the UK and led by a team with unrivalled frontline experience in media, government and the corporate environment, we provide trusted and effective advice to help you achieve your organisational goals.”
This was the picture that emerged recently at a meeting of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee.
Its convener Findlay Carson , a Conservative MSP, said a long-running inquiry had “produced a thoughtful and balanced report on a subject that can often attract very polarised opinions”.
He added: “We took evidence on our inquiry from June to October last year, hearing from a range of stakeholders who are involved in the industry, as well as from regulators and the Scottish Government.
“In September, we carried out a fact-finding visit to Oban, where we held a community engagement event, visited a marine research facility and went to see a local fish farm.”
Their focus was to follow up on the recommendations in the 2018 inquiry report “Salmon Farming in Scotland” by their predecessors in the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee.
Mr Carson said: “We aimed to understand whether, seven years on, the Scottish Government has been successful in efforts to place the industry on a more sustainable footing.
“We assessed progress across four main themes: fish health and welfare, environmental impacts, interactions between farmed and wild salmon, and the location of salmon farms.”
He added that overall, his committee found that, although positive steps had been taken on some of the key findings, “the sector still has a way to go to realise the ambitions that that report set out.
“It is evident that recommended changes to regulation and enforcement of the industry have not been taken forward with the urgency that was called for in 2018, and we believe that that presents a barrier to securing the long-term viability of the industry.
“The industry’s record on fish mortality rightly attracted a lot of scrutiny by the committee. We were disappointed that the industry had been unable to significantly reduce its overall mortality rate, which remained roughly the same as it was in 2018, at around 25 per cent.
“However, I was encouraged by recent figures from Salmon Scotland that suggested that there would be a drop in mortality rate to about 18 per cent this year. The committee will be watching eagerly to see whether that progress can be sustained.
“We also heard that the operating conditions for fish farmers have become harder in recent years as a result of the emergence of new environmental challenges, such as micro jellyfish and other harmful impacts of rising sea temperatures from climate change.”
Interventions that could help to support a further reduction in farm-fish mortality over the longer term, it was suggested, included commissioning more research into the environmental causes of mortality to help the industry get ahead of future problems as they emerge.
Secondly, MSPs called for greater transparency by enhancing how mortality data is collected and published by the Scottish Government, through the introduction of mandatory reporting requirements.
And finally, where farms are consistently failing to control mortality at their sites, they insisted that the regulations must secure improvements in performance.
Mr Carson said: “That is why we have called on the Scottish Government to provide new powers for regulators to limit or halt production at sites that record persistently high mortality rates, and for those criteria to be set out in collaboration with the industry.
They described it as “regrettable” that Mairi Gugeon, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, did not support the committee’s proposal for mandatory reporting.
Findlay Carson replied: “Absolutely. We recognise that the industry has gone some way in innovating and looking at how it can tackle some of the challenges. Of most concern to the committee was whether the rate at which climate change challenges are being addressed is effective.”He added: “During our visit, we learned that fish farms already collect a lot of data for onsite audits and management purposes. The cabinet secretary’s position on mandatory reporting is even more concerning, given what I have said about the need to improve regulatory oversight of farms when it comes to mortality. We do not believe that reporting would be an additional burden, given that much of that data is already being collected.
“However, the cabinet secretary has not completely rejected our proposals for new enforcement powers but has said that further analytical work is required.”
Mr Carson said: “The committee was also concerned to hear that specific welfare standards for farmed fish are set voluntarily rather than required by regulation. The committee feels that it is time, and that it would be good for the industry, which often goes above and beyond statutory requirements in other areas, for the statutory regime to keep pace with knowledge about what constitutes good fish welfare.
“That was communicated to the committee in great detail in the evidence that was provided to us by the likes of Professor Lynne Sneddon and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. For that reason, the committee recommends that the Scottish Government introduces new regulations to set specific baseline standards for farmed fish.
“Those standards exist for most other farmed animals, so why not for farmed fish? The cabinet secretary said that that recommendation would require further analysis and that she would update us on what she intends to do in September.
“The committee was also pleased to see that the industry is making improvements with regard to reducing sea lice. That progress has, in part, been made by tightening the enforcement thresholds and by the introduction of mandatory reporting of sea lice counts.
“That is to be welcomed, but it makes me question even more why the cabinet secretary seems so reluctant to take a similar approach to tackling fish mortality.”
On controlling the amount of waste that is discharged from fish farms, MR Carson said: “We are supportive of the revised regulatory framework and of the additional monitoring of the sea bed that it requires, but significant gaps in knowledge and understanding about the environmental footprint of salmon farming, which were identified back in 2018, remain, largely due to the lack of scientific evidence.
“To address those gaps, the committee feels that there is a case for the Scottish Government to establish research pens to develop scientific evidence about the environmental impacts of salmon farming and how those can be reduced.”
There was ” minimal progress” on the subject of interactions between farmed and wild salmon, and it was “disappointing” that the Scottish Government has implemented only one of the group’s 42 recommendations. A clear timetable for delivering those recommendations was urgently needed.
The committee noted that the industry felt the most frustration about the difficulty of navigating the consenting and planning process for the siting of new salmon farms.
In 2018, the REC Committee called for immediate dialogue between the Scottish Government and the industry to develop a mechanism to allow farms to relocate to sites that are more likely to promote good fish welfare and allow for the mitigation of environmental impacts. It is disappointing that there is no evidence that those discussions have taken place, and the committee recommends that that is now progressed as a matter of urgency, alongside a detailed analysis and assessment of the potential risks that that could have for fish health and welfare and of the economic and social impacts on fish farm staff and communities.
Mr Carson then flourished the equivalent of a yellow card in the direction of the fish farming companies.
He told them: “In light of the lack of progress in certain areas over the past seven years, the committee seriously considered recommending a moratorium or pause on new salmon farms or on the expansion of existing farms.
“However, the committee agreed to give the Scottish Government one year to implement our recommendations and for that work stream to have dedicated ministerial oversight to ensure delivery.
“I also struggle to see the Scottish Government acknowledge the seriousness of the challenges that the industry faces. That is important, because it is vital that the sector can overcome those challenges so that we can continue to enjoy the benefits that salmon farming brings to the Scottish economy and to support the jobs and economic development that it provides in rural communities. I am sure that we can all agree on that.”
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The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon, right, told MSPs that the SNP government vision of where the salmon industry is going sets out how we see that sector developing, operating within environmental limits and supporting our local communities and economies.She said: “Last year, Scottish salmon was once again the United Kingdom’s top food export, achieving a record high of £844 million-worth of exports. The sector contributes significantly to our economy, with around 2,300 people directly employed and many more employed throughout its supply chain, covering a variety of different disciplines such as fish health, engineering, feed, vessels and equipment manufacture.
“Salmon production largely takes place in our Highlands, rural areas and islands, where it provides high-value, high-skill, long-term employment opportunities that contribute to the on-going vibrancy and vitality of those communities. The committee heard evidence on the wide range of community benefits that the sector brings, including the direct and indirect jobs that it generates and sustains, the provision of housing, financial and in-kind support to local projects and community interests, and the underpinning of populations.
“As we work to tackle the climate crisis and grow Scotland’s economy, we are looking to enable the sector’s sustainable development. I know that the committee will share my view, set out in our vision, that economic benefit must not come at the expense of our environment. Our strong regulatory framework already provides the important safeguards that are necessary to preserve our environment now and into the future.
“We know, however, and would agree, that there is always more to do. Our policies and regulations should always be informed by the best available science and evidence. I hope that members across the chamber agree that it is important that our interventions are evidence based and that they balance proportionate regulatory improvements to protect our natural environment against the impact that regulation could have on the sector’s economic potential.
“I am sure that all members are aware that salmon farming is a sector that attracts many and varied stakeholder opinions.”
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On the question of the application for planning permission for a new salmon farm in the Dumbarton constituency, Shetland Islands MSP Beatrice Wishart, left, said: “It has been more than a year since the Long Loch Salmon semi-closed containment project was called in for a decision by the Scottish Government. We are talking about economic development, but the length of time spent waiting on a decision reflects badly on the planning system and could discourage investment in Scotland; indeed, the company still has no indication as to when a decision could be made. Can the cabinet secretary help in that regard?
“It is absolutely right that all sectors, including salmon farming, are scrutinised and held to account. However, in the case of salmon farming, in which polarised opinions are, as we know, commonplace, it is more important than ever that we take the time to collaborate to shape and deliver policies that ultimately bring people and communities together, rather than divide them.”
She added:” I am looking forward to the update on the consenting task group’s work, which is due shortly. Returning to my comments on polarisation and the different views on salmon farming, we must, in the work that we are taking forward, collaborate and consult, and that takes time. I absolutely recognise the committee’s call for the Government to act urgently in this area, but there is a need to build consensus on the way forward and, as far as possible, build relationships. Focusing too much on pace will not necessarily lead to good outcomes.”
Looking down Loch Long at the proposed fish farm site. Photo credit LLTNPA“I make it clear that I would not hesitate to take action or introduce regulation, if there were a problem with getting that information in the first place. However, there are no issues there. It brings me back to the point that any regulation that we bring forward has to be proportionate, and that is why, as I said to the committee, I do not intend to introduce any regulations in that regard. My response to the committee carefully prioritises what I believe is achievable not only for Government but, importantly, for the range of partners that we work with. We need to be cognisant of the cumulative impact of our work programmes on all stakeholders.
“Another factor that impacts on delivery and which affects Government in its entirety is the on-going challenge of ensuring that we manage effectively within our means. That means prioritising how and when we take work forward. I want to be open and transparent about the balance that Government is trying to strike to ensure that we are delivering on the most important issues, and it means that, while we work within resource constraints, we have to continue to make careful and difficult prioritisation decisions.
“There should be no question about whether we want salmon farming in Scotland. We do.
“Any move towards some sort of moratorium would deprive Scotland of the benefits of salmon farming for our economy and our communities, without adequate justification that the potential environmental harms were not being managed appropriately. A moratorium could stifle the very investment in science and innovation that will ultimately support fish health and environmental and productivity goals.
“We are committed to ensuring that Scotland is a good place to do business, with effective but proportionate regulation that protects our environment now and in the future. We take matters of fish health and welfare and the protection of our environment seriously, and I hope that my response to the committee is clear on those issues and provides an insight into what work is being prioritised and when, in the context of our work plan.”
What I hope that I have also managed to convey in my response is openness and transparency about the Government’s intentions, and that we are being absolutely clear about what work we intend to deliver, when we will deliver it and why. Having set that out and having carefully considered our response to the committee’s findings, I hope that colleagues across the chamber can see that we have committed to a number of actions across all areas and that we take the committee’s time, deliberations and recommendations seriously.
We have already made significant progress on key areas, including reducing environmental impact, improving fish health and streamlining planning and consenting. Beyond that progress, I have, in my response to the committee, committed to a range of further actions. Although I do not have time to cover all of them this afternoon, I want to set out some of the priorities that we are taking forward.
We will explore with partners how the existing data collections that we have touched on today can be better presented and how accessibility can be enhanced, including through improvements to the Scotland’s Aquaculture website. We are working to analyse mortality data, exploring thresholds for persistent high mortality and whether fish farms with persistent high mortality actually exist. Based on the evidence that the committee received, we will be undertaking an analysis of options, including statutory and other alternatives, to understand how improved welfare standards can best be supported.
The detail of those commitments is broad and is set out in our written response to the committee, but I hope that what I have set out briefly today shows that we are listening, we are acting and we are continuing to make progress.
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Tavish Scott, right, who was a Minister in the Labour/LibDem coalition government in the Scottish Parliament, claims he wants to stop the decline of wild salmon.
There have been reports that a dozen sites along “a key waterway” leading from Glen Fruin into Loch Lomond are to be restored with cash from Salmon Scotland.
Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association will receive a minuscule £23,000 from mega rich Salmon Scotland to tackle fish migration barriers, plant trees and stabilise banks along the Fruin Water.
The goal, it is reported, is to conserve wild salmon and sea trout populations after a study by Glasgow University found 186 locations where habitats are declining.
Wild salmon and sea trout numbers have been falling for decades on both Scottish coasts thanks to habitat loss, rising river temperatures from climate change, and deforestation in the past.
Many people would add to this the environmental impact of the exponential increase in salmon farm cages off the West Coast of Scotland, including many of the country’s sea lochs.
Plus the pollution and disease amongst the farmed fish, which has been attributed to salmon farming.
A planning application for a new salmon farm on Loch Long was refused by planners, but that decision is currently being appealed.
Residents in the Whistlefield and Portincaple areas on the loch shore have campaigned vigorously to keep it out.
The Helensburgh Advertiser is reporting that Salmon Scotland’s “wild fisheries fund” will restore 12 sites along the Fruin.
Additionally, another £12,381 will go to the Loch Lomond Fishery Trust to work with young people in Garelochhead to offer “practical workshops on fisheries management, bankside strengthening and tree planting”.
Two projects on the Cowal peninsula will also get funding.
Scott Sinclair, treasurer of the Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association, said: “Together with Glasgow University’s Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, we conducted a thorough assessment of the health of the Loch Lomond fishery.
“This assessment identified more than 180 areas where habitat improvements could benefit salmon and sea trout, laying the groundwork for a multi-year habitat improvement program.
“Thanks to the grant from Salmon Scotland’s wild fisheries fund, we can now kick-start this work and support several habitat improvements along the River Fruin.”
Tavish Scott, former LibDem minister and now chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said salmon farmers were “determined” to address the decline in wild salmon.
He said: “Wild salmon numbers worldwide have been decreasing for the past century, and it is crucial to rely on scientific knowledge to understand the real challenges impacting them.
“The main pressures on wild salmon and trout include habitat loss and rising river temperatures during their return to freshwater rivers for breeding.
“We actively contribute to reversing this decline by supporting community-led projects to restore our rivers and lochs, making a positive global impact.
“Salmon farmers take great pride in sharing their expertise to maximise salmon survival and financially support the protection of Scotland’s wild species.”
Jon Gibb, co-ordinator of the Salmon Scotland wild fisheries fund, added: “The wild fisheries fund is a rare and exceptional opportunity for communities to access vital funds aimed at improving their local rivers and lochs.
“It’s fantastic to support a variety of innovative projects dedicated to conserving and enhancing the habitat, particularly for a species facing extinction in certain areas.
“Wild salmon are currently facing a deep and dire crisis, and the aquaculture sector can play a vital role in mitigating their decline.”
Fish farms with 40% levels of death, disease and disfigurement is the reality of battery fish farming.
And with extensive levels of hormone and chemical treatment pollution into the surrounding waters and sea bed, the comparion with chlorinated chicken is not in the least unfounded.
Fish farming by the corporates is an abomination. But it’s out of sight, out if mind, and with their backs politically covered, the industry is happy to keep it that way.
I wouldn’t touch Scottish battery farmed salmon with a barge pole.