Loch Long Salmon is running a number of events giving the local community an opportunity to comment on a proposed new semi-closed salmon farm on Loch Linnhe, in the west of Scotland.
The salmon farmer says it wants to bring new jobs and investment to Argyll, whilst addressing the concerns some may have about the environmental impacts of sea farms.
“We have already met with many local people as we have been developing our proposal for this location,” said Stewart Hawthorn, managing director of Loch Long Salmon.
“Delivering low carbon, low environmental impact food is one of the key global challenges we face as a society. We must bring this technology to Scotland quickly so we are part of the solution to man-made climate change and to address more local environmental and fish welfare concerns.”
Proposed plans include eight closed farming enclosures measuring approximately 50m in diameter as well as two freshwater holding units and a closed harvest enclosure. The shore base would be located adjacent to the marine infrastructure, around half a kilometre west of Lurignish Farm.
From the surface a sea farm looks similar to a conventional salmon farm, but underneath the water the net is surrounded by an impermeable membrane, with water drawn up and circulated from deeper in the Loch, removing the threat of sea lice and seal attacks.
The secondary barrier also captures almost all of the salmon waste, and this is recovered and used in green energy production or as a fertiliser ingredient.
The events will be held at Duror & Kentallen Community Centre on 14 September and Appin Village Hall on 24 October, both from 2pm to 7pm.
