Salmon Scotland chief calls for industry to answer its critics with facts

The Chief Executive of trade body Salmon Scotland has told his Canadian counterparts that the industry needs to combat “pseudo-science” from its critics with facts.

Speaking at a major conference yesterday, Aquaculture Canada and WAS North America 2022 in St John’s, Newfoundland, Tavish Scott highlighted the leadership role that Scotland is playing in global aquaculture, including a proactive approach to communicating the benefits of the sector.

He said that although global aquaculture is helping to feed a growing population with high quality, nutritional protein and brings prosperity to coastal communities, in each territory where aquaculture operates there are a small number of vocal anti-salmon farming activists.

Speaking ahead of the conference, he said: ““Our unique natural environment and excellent high-energy conditions make Scottish salmon truly special, which is why our product has a world-renowned reputation and is in such high demand across the globe.

“Salmon Scotland and our producer members have worked hard to win the trust of our local neighbours, and polling in our key farming areas shows a majority of local people support what we do.

“We are also fortunate in Scotland that both governments value the sector, the 12,000 jobs we support, and the huge economic contribution to the Scottish and UK economies.

“With continued political support we can create even more jobs and prosperity for the country when it needs it the most.”

He stressed the importance of the industry’s supply chain – more than 3,500 businesses – and also said: “Salmon Scotland is making real headway on delivering our sustainability charter which includes a commitment to become net zero by 2045, reduce the use of plastics, and improve traceability at every step of the process.”