Salmon Scotland disputes Marine Conservation Society’s litter claims.
Salmon Scotland has pushed back against claims in the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) State of Our Beaches 2024 report, which highlights fishing and aquaculture as major sources of marine litter on Scottish islands. The report was covered by local publication We Love Stornoway on March 20, 2025.
According to the MCS, 85,405 pieces of fishing and aquaculture gear were collected by volunteers across the islands in 2024, representing 32% of all recorded litter. The report states that pollution levels on the Scottish mainland differ starkly from those on the islands, where debris from fishing, fish farming, and shellfish farming is more prevalent.
Salmon Scotland has called for greater clarity in the data, questioning how much of the litter can be attributed to aquaculture versus the wider fishing industry.
“We don’t think aquaculture is responsible for anything like the amount of litter being attributed to it alongside the fishing industry,” Salmon Scotland stated.
Dr. Iain Berrill, head of technical at Salmon Scotland, criticised the lack of distinction in the MCS figures:
“We support the campaign for cleaner and healthier seas, so it’s incredibly disappointing that this data doesn’t distinguish between fishing and aquaculture. Debris from salmon farming makes up a tiny proportion of marine litter, with most items related to fishing or left behind by tourists.”
He added that salmon farmers contribute to beach clean-ups, including Marine Conservation Society events, and that farms are committed to retrieving any lost equipment. Salmon Scotland members reported removing 23 tonnes of litter from west coast and island beaches in 2023.
The industry organisation also pointed to its sustainability charter, which commits Scottish salmon producers to minimising marine debris and recovering lost equipment. A marine debris hotline allows members of the public to report any suspected aquaculture-related waste.
MCS has yet to respond to Salmon Scotland’s request for a clearer breakdown of the reported litter data.
