Salmon, UK & Scotland’s top food export, has a big excess death problem

From Fortune Magazine:

A proposal to build the UK’s largest salmon farm near Loch Linnhe could create jobs and address the industry’s high death rates. Rising demand for salmon has led to record mortality numbers, with around 53 million excess fish deaths in the last five years. Challenges facing the global salmon industry include sustainable scaling and environmental impacts.

Stewart Hawthorn laid out his plan to build a giant salmon farm in Loch Linnhe, claiming it would create jobs and address industry challenges. Rising demand for salmon has resulted in record mortality numbers, with around 53 million excess fish deaths in the last five years. The proposal faces skepticism from local communities.

Salmon farming is facing challenges including high mortality rates, environmental impacts, and red tape around licensing. Tensions between the industry and stakeholders are high, with mistrust and animosity on the rise. The future of the salmon farming industry in Scotland remains uncertain amid these challenges and regulatory hurdles.

The salmon farming industry faces issues related to breeding, overcrowding, and mass fish deaths, impacting corporate profits. Salmon producers are experimenting with new farming systems and technologies, but there is no clear industry path towards sustainable growth. Clues to more sustainable farming practices may be found in operations in colder waters, but experimental approaches remain essential.



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