4 December 2024 - Salmon farming: growth and sustainability - Oral evidence

Salmon farming is an important employer in many of Scotland’s rural and island communities, but concerns have been raised about the industry’s sustainability and its plans for further expansion. 

In the first panel, the Committee will hear the views of the RSPCA and Marine Conversation Society. Questions will focus on the industry’s environmental impact, as well as farmed salmon welfare. The discussion may consider how the industry’s performance on these issues should shape conversations around any further expansion of salmon farming in Scotland.  

In the second panel, Members will question the sector trade body Salmon Scotland, as well as the two largest producers of Scottish farmed salmon, Scottish Sea Farms and Mowi Scotland. The Committee could explore the industry’s contribution to Scotland’s economy and the regional communities it is based in. MPs may also ask about the increased rates of farmed salmon mortality seen in recent years.  

As the UK’s top food export, there may also be questions about the export of Scottish salmon and its contribution to ‘Brand Scotland’.