“Robust Framework” Won’t Fix a Dying Industry
On Wednesday the 25th March, Animal Concern teamed up with Animal Equality to bring a loud message to Scottish Government before it dissolves ahead of the May elections; it cannot continue to ignore the massive issues that continue to pervade salmon farming in Scotland.
We’re pressuring the Scottish Government to, at the very least, halt the expansion of salmon farms until the industry can ensure a massive decrease in mortalities brought on by severe sea lice infestations, disease outbreaks, jellyfish swarms, algal blooms and other impacts that lead to extreme suffering.
The terms “robust framework” and “regulatory regime” have been tossed around like worn out band-aides by the Cabinet Secretary and Marine Directorate, but no amount of “framework” is going to solve issues caused by a practice that is unsustainable and inhumane.
With the premature deaths of 12 million salmon in 2025 alone caused by factors directly related to conditions within salmon farms, there can be no denying this is a dying industry. Globally, mortalities in salmon farms has continued to rise over the years.
Delusions that nature can be thwarted and impacts of climate change avoided is already driving this industry to the brink, but with rising water temperatures bringing an increase in jellyfish swarms, algal blooms, and the spread of parasites and disease outbreaks, it is the salmon in the cages that will continue to suffer the most.
MSPs cannot continue to ignore the unspeakable suffering these salmon experience.
The Rural Affairs & Islands Committee (RAIC) was not subtle in expressing disappointment in the failure to show improvement a year after it made its recommendations, with Convener Finlay Carson writing to the Cabinet Secretary: “Without meaningful actions to enhance the performance of the industry with regards to mortality, the Scottish Government risks eroding public confidence in this important sector.”
It’s safe to say, public confidence in salmon farming is already at an all time low. The Scottish Government must not continue to endorse an industry that has proven itself unable to mitigate the numerous impacts that come with farming a migratory species in unnatural conditions.
It is time for the Scottish Government to implement the precautionary principle and start phasing out salmon farms in Scotland, as B.C. is doing in Canada.
MSP Arianne Burgess joined the rally, participating in the “Die-in” to symbolise the fish that die prolonged painful deaths in salmon cages.
Having long advocated for an end to salmon farming, Burgess also addressed the biggest sticking point for government to keep the industry going; jobs.
As MSP for the Highlands and Islands, she noted that jobs in remote locations are indeed a pressing matter, and that we must take the people living remotely into account. Which is is why, she noted, government must focus on providing sustainable jobs that don’t exploit sentient animals and jeopardise the environment and surrounding wildlife.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Write to your local candidates:
Parliament has now closed it’s doors, and MSPs will be campaigning for re-election on the 7th May. It is a crucial time to let every candidate standing that this is an issue that is important to you. WriteToThem - Email your Councillor, MP, MSP
Stop The Expansion Of The Scottish Salmon Industry
Become a Supporter:
“Strength in numbers” is a true as it ever was. By being a supporter and responding to calls to action, be it online or in person, you can help make a big difference. Support Us — Animal Concern