A call has been renewed for a pause on the expansion of salmon farming in Scotland after a government minister acknowledged that mortality levels in the sector remain too high.
Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess raised the issue during an evidence session of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, highlighting concerns about fish welfare, environmental impacts and the regulation of the industry.
More than 12 million farmed salmon died prematurely in Scotland last year, figures that campaigners say point to serious underlying problems within the sector.
During the committee session, Burgess challenged what she described as a contradiction between the Scottish Government’s admission that mortality is too high and the suggestion that there is no systemic issue within the industry.
She also questioned the level of inspections and enforcement action taking place at fish farms and warned that Scotland’s international reputation could be at risk.
Burgess said:
“The Scottish Government admits mortality is far too high, yet claims there is no systemic problem.
“That simply doesn’t withstand scrutiny when millions of fish are dying prematurely every year.
“These are the same warnings that were raised in 2018 and again in 2025.
“Yet in 2026 we are still seeing the same failures, the same lack of action and millions of fish dying early.”
She said that more than 12 million farmed salmon dying in a single year should be seen as a clear signal that deeper problems exist within the industry.
“Over twelve million farmed salmon dying in a single year is not a minor issue, it is a clear sign that something is deeply wrong with how this industry is operating.
“The Government talks about investment and funding for the sector, but the reality on the ground is that mortality remains extremely high and meaningful improvements are not being delivered.
“I welcome moves to increase inspections of marine sites and improve reporting on cleaner fish deaths.
“But these steps are long overdue and nowhere near enough to address the scale of the problem.”
Burgess warned that scrutiny of the salmon farming industry must continue as the current parliamentary session approaches its end.
She said concerns raised by communities, campaigners and parliamentarians about pollution, fish welfare and the impact on wild salmon remain unresolved.
“If the Government is serious about animal welfare, environmental protection and restoring confidence in Scotland’s seafood sector, it must pause the expansion of salmon farms and undertake a fundamental overhaul of how this industry is regulated.”
The issue of salmon farming regulation has been the subject of ongoing debate in Scotland, particularly in coastal communities where the industry plays a significant economic role but also raises environmental concerns.
A spokesperson for Salmon Scotland said:
“Scotland’s salmon sector welcomes the Scottish Government’s statement in parliament today (WED) that there is no justification for yet more regulation.
“The Green Party wants to close down salmon farming and put 12,000 men and women on the dole.
“It would be interesting to hear these politicians explain how average salaries in salmon farming of more than £40,000 would be replaced.”
