A Scottish Government report in 2015 estimated that the salmon farming industry is worth around £640m and supports more than 4,000 jobs, many of which are vital to our fragile rural economy.
A report by the Salmon and Trout Conservation Scotland (S&T CS) outlining the massive increase in fish mortality in recent years will thus make uncomfortable reading for the industry, politicians and animal welfare groups alike. According to the report around 20 million fish are dying each year - mostly due to parasites and disease - almost double the rate of four years ago. And this is despite two thirds of the industry being certified “RSPCA assured”, the stamp supposed to assure supermarket customers they are buying fish that has been humanely reared and is environmentally safe.
And, since the S&TCS believes many wild salmon and trout are infected when the parasites escape into our lochs and seas, this last point is particularly pertinent.
The Society is right to urge both the Scottish Government and the RSPCA to demand improvements from an industry that should surely be doing more to ensure the health of its product, for reasons of welfare and economics.
Scottish salmon has long been a prestige product that is enjoyed on tables around the world. If we are not careful, the industry could risk losing not only its reputation, but the jobs that rely upon it.
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