Login

My Account

Study shows fish farming causes little sea bed damage

Mowi has disclosed that an environmental study of a post closure area in Scotland has shown that the sea bed can quickly recover after fishing farming.

Isle of Ewe

The three year long investigation took place around the former Isle of Ewe fish farm on the north west coast.

The company has said in a new statement that throughout the operational life of fish farms, environmental effects are limited especially when managed by a robust regulatory framework underpinned by environmental standards that ensure the protection of the seabed and biodiversity.

However, until the study, limited information was available on how seabeds respond following the cessation of fish farming operations.

The aim of the probe, which was conducted alongside delivery partners Benthic Solutions and Applied Genomics, and supported by Salmon Scotland, was to assess the environmental condition and trajectory of seabed recovery following the closure of the Loch Ewe fish farm.

The project included monitoring seabed samples, habitat mapping, and an eDNA analysis covering a much bigger biodiversity profile.

Mowi said: “Over three years, the project concluded that the seabed can and will recover quickly. In 2020, 67% of the samples met the conditions for ‘Good Ecological’ status. In 2021, this percentage increased to 80%; in 2022, it increased to 93%; and in 2023, 100% of the samples met the conditions for ‘Good Ecological’ status.”

Reflecting on the results, Connie Fairburn, Senior Environmental Analyst at Mowi Scotland said: “There are many misconceptions about the environmental impact of the aquaculture industry.

However, this project provides solid evidence that sea beds can recover upon cessation of fish farming operations.”

Why not try these links to see what our Fish Farmer AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)

How does fish farming impact seabed biodiversity during operation?What methods assess seabed recovery after fish farm closure?How effective are environmental standards in protecting seabed health?What role does eDNA analysis play in monitoring seabed ecosystems?How quickly can seabeds recover following cessation of fish farming?

Field Service Engineer - Scale Aquaculture UK Limited

Fort William, Oban, Inverness£35,000 to £40,000 per annum

Hygiene Operative - Night - Bakkafrost Scotland Limited

Cairndow£30,763.95 per annum

Modern Apprentice: Able Seafarer - Bakkafrost Scotland Limited

Cairndow£20,000 to £30,000 per annum

Senior Marine Operative - Bakkafrost Scotland Limited

HS3 3AE£45,374.20 per annum

Farm Technician (Ardintoul) - Mowi Scotland

Skye & Lochalsh£28,258 to £31,648 per annum

100 jobs may go as Bremnes calls time on Salma brand

Sea Farming15 Jan 2025

15,000 fish escape at Lerøy site

Sea Farming30 Oct 2024

2023 saw Scottish salmon production fall 11%

Sea Farming16 Jan 2025

2025 is a turning point, says Salmon Scotland's Tavish Scott

Sign up to our daily Newsletters

We at Fish Farmer Magazine endeavour to ensure that all our reports are fair and accurate and comply with the Editors’ Code of Practice set by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). We realise, however, that mistakes happen from time to time. If you think we have made a significant mistake and you wish to discuss this with us, please let us know as soon as possible by any of the three methods: emailing editor@fishfarmermagazine.com; telephoning the editor on 01315517949 ; writing to the Editor at Fish Farmer Magazine, The North Quarter, Fettes Park 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH5 2DL. We will attempt to resolve your issue in a timeous, reasonable and amicable manner. However, if you are unsatisfied with our response, you can contact IPSO, which will investigate the matter. You can either telephone IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or email inquiries@ipso.co.uk. IPSO is an independent body which deals with complaints from the public about the editorial content of newspapers and magazines. We will abide by the decision of IPSO.