Scotland’s salmon farmers have delivered major improvements in fish health, welfare and sustainability, backed by more than GBP 1 billion of investment since 2018, industry body Salmon Scotland has told MSPs.
In a letter to the Scottish Parliament’s rural affairs and islands committee, Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said the sector had met requests for reform and demonstrated results across key areas, despite the committee’s earlier report relying on “out-of-date data”.
The update highlighted that survival rates for the first eight months of 2025 reached a record 92.3%, while antibiotic use in 2024 fell by nearly 80% to its lowest level since reporting began. Meanwhile, exports are forecast to exceed GBP 1 billion in 2025 for the first time, boosted by access to new markets such as India following a UK trade deal.
The letter also pointed to the imminent publication of a refreshed “Code of Good Practice for Scottish finfish aquaculture”, which Salmon Scotland describes as the only one of its kind in the world. The code sets higher standards on fish health, welfare and biosecurity, with every farm independently audited.
Auditing and assurance remain a significant focus: more than GBP 10 million was invested in audits and inspections in 2024, with over 1,600 independent checks carried out against standards including RSPCA Assured, ASC and Global GAP.
Scott also underlined the role of innovation in shaping the sector’s future, citing progress on semi-closed containment systems, including SeaQureFarming’s commercial trials and Loch Long Salmon’s newly-approved site in Argyll. He also called for a new funding mechanism to replace the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC).
“This is testament to the hard work of the sector’s farmers, veterinarians and fish health professionals, as well as the GBP 1 billion invested in fish health and welfare since 2018,” Scott wrote. “We hope the committee wish to see our sector develop in serving existing and new markets such as India.”
Scotland’s farmed salmon sector supports 12,500 jobs and contributes GBP 760 million to the economy, with producers positioning themselves as leaders in responsible aquaculture through continued investment, innovation and independent scrutiny.
