Engaging with the current environmental Scottish Salmon farming concerns

Best Fishes is run by environmental charity, Fidra. The main aim of this project is to highlight the environmental concerns surrounding salmon farming in Scotland, with the vision to improving transparency and performance alongside this.  

Did you know?

Salmon farming in Scotland has grown steadily since the 1970s and is now a major part of Scottish aquaculture, which in total is presently estimated to be worth over £1.8 billion annually.  Scotland is the third largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon in the world after Norway and Chile.  By 2030, the Scottish aquaculture sector aims to double in value to over £3 billion.  

Fidra’s approach…

If this expansion goes ahead, there will inevitably be an increase in environmental impacts, which Fidra will work to alleviate. To achieve this, we will work with a variety of stakeholders in the following ways:  

• Assist and facilitate the development of an online ‘Sustainability Dashboard’ which will present detailed yet clear information on the environmental impacts of individual salmon farms in Scotland.  
• Work with UK retailers to encourage improved transparency throughout the sector by increasing the level of information presented on the packaging, for example listing the name of the farm so customers can look up the performance on the above suggested Sustainability Dashboard.
• To inform consumers about the known environmental impacts of salmon farming and allow them to choose salmon with the least negative effects.
• Liaise with salmon producers to implement best practice processes, reduce impacts on the local environment and increase transparency on farms through the proposed Sustainability Dashboard.
• Continue dialogue with government and regulators to adopt robust legislation based on best practice, supported by strong regulations and effective enforcement.