Cooke Aquaculture Scotland’s proposal for a second “offshore” salmon farm in Scotland was approved Thursday September 8 by the local council.
The farm, to be built near East Moclett, Papa Westray, will have six 160-metre pens and will be stocked with organic smolts. The location is described as “high energy” site, where significant water depth and tidal flows will minimise effects on the local environment, said Cooke.
The new farm will create six new jobs and Cooke plans to start hiring and training them next year.
“We appreciate that the Planning Committee was guided by and accepted the thorough technical and scientific reviews of all the statutory consultation bodies which filed no objections,” said Joel Richardson, Vice President of Public Relations for Cooke Aquaculture Scotland.
“Farm-raised Scottish salmon has one of the lowest carbon footprints of all animal proteins, and Cooke Aquaculture Scotland is committed to science-led research to set the highest standards for responsible harvesting and sustainable processes across all aspects of our business.”
Richardson said building the second farm follows the success of Cooke’s first offshore farm in the country. That offshore farm, located in East Skelwick, is also the first in Scotland.
