Shocking new statistics published this morning (online from 9.30am on 30 September 2019) reveal an 18% fall in salmon farming production in Scotland during 2018. The figure of 156,025 tonnes in 2018 (down from 189,707 tonnes in 2017) is lower than salmon farming production fifteen years ago!
Download the Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2018 online here
Including:
Note that mortality data is buried as 'survival' data in the report.
Don Staniford, Director of Scottish Salmon Watch, said:
“Scottish salmon farming production in 2018 is less than 15 years ago! Far from being a success story, Scottish salmon farming is a welfare nightmare and a disease disaster with a mortality rate running at over 23% and over 34% in the Western Isles. Lice infestation, pathogens, viruses and infectious diseases are ravaging salmon farms across Scotland. Consumers should avoid Scottish salmon – shamefully marketed as 'healthy' and 'sustainable' – like the proverbial plague.”
Salmon Business reported:
Fish Farmer reported (30 September):
A press release issued by the Scottish Government (11am on 30 September) chose to ignore the 18% fall in salmon farming production with Fergus Ewing shamelessly talking about "sustainable growth":
Scottish Salmon Watch Tweeted in reply:
Sadly, since 2012 the public do not have an actual figure for mortalties when the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation successfully lobbied against disclosure claiming it would be "commercially damaging".
- Press Release: "New report set to reveal drastic fall in salmon farming production in Scotland"
- Media Backgrounder: "Disease-Ridden Scottish Salmon is Dead in the Water"
- 'Frankenfish' Halloween Protest (31 October) – Beware of the Nightmare of Scottish Salmon!
- Sick Scottish Salmon – Are Farms Spreading Infectious Diseases, Pathogens & Viruses to Wild Fish?
- Objection to The Scottish Salmon Company's Expansion Plans off Arran
