Multi-millionaire Labour-backer pledges significant funding for salmon farming investigations.
Dale Vince, a multimillionaire businessman and founder of the Green Britain Foundation, has announced plans to significantly expand investigations into Scotland’s salmon farming industry. Vince, who is also the owner of a green energy company and a major Labour donor, has committed to dedicating “substantial resources” to uncovering environmental breaches and improving transparency in the sector.
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament’s rural affairs and islands committee, Vince criticized the lack of effective oversight in the industry and called for immediate reforms. While stating his preference for the “immediate closure of all salmon farming operations in Scotland,” he also urged policymakers to impose a “complete moratorium on new salmon farm licences and expansions” and to initiate an independent investigation into waste disposal practices.
The Green Britain Foundation previously funded an undercover investigation that exposed the alleged illegal dumping of salmon carcasses near a Hebridean beauty spot. This investigation led to a police probe in October after footage emerged showing fish being buried in open pits, raising concerns about potential environmental and public health risks. Vince said the findings highlighted systemic failures in regulation and oversight and vowed to continue similar efforts.
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Vince’s announcement has drawn sharp criticism from industry representatives. Tavish Scott, CEO of Salmon Scotland, dismissed Vince as part of a “tiny minority of mega-rich urban eco-warriors” who, he claimed, have little understanding of the realities facing Scotland’s rural and coastal communities. Scott emphasized that Scottish salmon farming adheres to some of the highest welfare and sustainability standards globally and argued that campaigns against the sector have not succeeded.
The salmon farming industry is a disaster – for the environment, for marine life, and for the communities that depend on healthy ecosystems. The fact that it’s still being certified by @RSPCA_official is just wrong… We need transparency and action to stop this destruction. Time… https://t.co/XzNrgiQodV
— Dale Vince (@DaleVince) September 5, 2024
The salmon farming industry, which contributes approximately £1 billion annually to the Scottish economy, is the UK’s top food export. Despite its economic importance, it has faced growing scrutiny over environmental issues. Salmon Scotland maintains that its farmers operate lawfully and provide high standards of care for their fish, but critics have increasingly called attention to fish mortality rates, pollution, and waste disposal practices.
Vince, however, remained resolute in his stance, adding that his foundation would support the transition to “alternative economic activities” for communities dependent on salmon farming. The industry has faced increasing pressure from environmental activists, including broadcaster Chris Packham, who has described salmon farming as “a social and environmental disaster.”
