Scottish government inspectors have raised no concerns about the removal of dead salmon from the Dunstaffnage fish farm, near Oban, just hours before a visit from Scottish Parliament members.
The visit, part of a fact-finding mission by the rural affairs committee, took place on September 25.
Animal Equality UK accused the fish farm operator, Scottish Sea Farms, of attempting to present an “inaccurate” picture of the industry. However, Scottish Sea Farms stated that the footage showing dead fish being removed depicted routine procedures.
The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) confirmed that removing dead fish is a “recognized aspect of animal husbandry.”
The inspectorate has written to the committee stating that 1,082kg of biomass was removed from the site on the day in question but noted that mortality levels were below voluntary reporting thresholds.
“The FHI do not have concerns with the routine mortality removal procedure being undertaken in the video footage,” the inspectorate reported.
This follow-up inquiry by the rural affairs committee is examining how the salmon farming sector has changed since a 2018 report raised environmental concerns. Following the release of footage showing dead fish removal, a spokesperson for the committee acknowledged that fish mortality remains a topic of concern and that the footage raises additional questions for the inquiry.
Dr. Ralph Bickerdike, head of fish health and welfare at Scottish Sea Farms, stated, “The response by the Fish Health Inspectorate reinforces what we clearly stated to the BBC: the footage shows our farm team fulfilling their duty of care by swiftly removing any poorly fish or fallen stock.”
However, Abigail Penny, executive director of Animal Equality UK, criticized the regulatory response, stating, “The public outcry upon seeing this footage speaks for itself. Containers full of dead animals tell a story that percentages on a page cannot.”
The committee’s inquiry continues to assess the sector’s environmental impact and the implementation of recommendations from a previous report.
Salmon farming remains a critical industry in Scotland, with exports valued at £578 million in 2022.
