Scotland's fish farms - our updated research

We've been thinking a great deal recently about the current parlous state of Scotland's fish farming industry - from the "business model", through welfare, environmental issues, escapes -  and the misplaced optimism that Semi Closed Containment will be the Silver Bullet the government is desperately looking for.

The attached report (PDF: 3 minute read) is a distillation of our bang up to date research - drawn from the Scottish Government's website, a Norwegian Trade Industry and Fisheries consultation, an excellent WildFish report , Science papers etc..  Some of the figures are truly shocking - with the conclusion that farmed salmon may be the UK’s largest food export, but it remains a very small contributor to Scotland’s GVA (according to the Scottish Government, just 0.186%), with most of the financial benefit flowing to Westminster, Holyrood, or foreign investors.

As reported to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee last year, open-net salmon farming is becoming increasingly unsustainable in our warming waters, and semi-closed containment does not resolve many of the underlying issues. It therefore seems prudent to begin shaping an alternative vision that will draw people to live, work, and prosper on the West Coast.

We are optimistic that there are many business opportunities capable of attracting young people to live and work on the West Coast — opportunities that mean local companies, local jobs, and local profit. Approximately 99% of fish farm companies in Scotland are foreign owned. MOWI is currently the largest employer in many rural areas, which leaves us with all our eggs in one basket — and not even a locally owned one. We believe that a diverse ecosystem of small and medium-sized, locally rooted businesses — in areas such as ecotourism, marine science, sustainable fisheries, seaweed products, and the many modern enterprises that can now be run from anywhere — would help create vibrant and resilient communities.

With a little imagination and strong political will, the West Coast could become a truly inspiring place to live, work, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.  What do you think? Let us know by email info@longlivelochlinnhe.org.uk or on Facebook.

PS For those with a stronger constitution, this link gives a more detailed analysis of the situation (PDF).