Scottish farmed salmon survival hits 99.1%
The monthly survival rate for farmed salmon in Scotland reached a record 99.1% in March, according to figures released today by the industry’s body Salmon Scotland.
The latest figures represent the best performance for March since reporting began in 2018. The previous record was set in March 2025 when survival stood at 98.98%.
Survival across the first quarter of the year also reached a record high, averaging 99.03 per cent between January and March, the strongest start to a year.
The record start to 2026 follows a strong 2025, when monthly survival averaged around 98.3 per cent across the year.
Salmon Scotland pointed out that, since 2018, salmon farmers have invested more than £1 billion in innovation across veterinary care, technology, and stock management, helping to improve survival rates and strengthen resilience.
Fish mortality has been a bone of contention for this industry and its critics, including the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, which recently published a report that concluded the level of survival in the industry was still too low.
‘Record survival rates are encouraging’
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “These figures are a testament to our members’ hard work and commitment to fish health and welfare, and to responsible farming.
“Scottish salmon farmers uphold the highest animal welfare standards in the world, but they are always striving to do better.
“Record survival rates are encouraging and reflect the dedication of farmers across Scotland’s coastal communities.
“They also show the impact of sustained investment in fish health, technology, and farm management.
“This progress helps ensure Scottish salmon remains one of the country’s great food success stories.
“Higher survival means more nutritious, low-carbon food reaching consumers at home and overseas, supporting jobs, communities, and economic growth.”
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