May 12, 2026

 

Scotland, UK salmon farms achieve record survival rates amid welfare investment

 

 

The salmon-farming industry of Scotland, the United Kingdom, has recorded its highest-ever survival rates for the opening quarter of the year, with new figures pointing to continued improvements in fish health, farm management, and production practices.

 

Fresh data released by Salmon Scotland showed survival rates climbed to 99.1% in March, marking the strongest performance for the month since farm-level reporting began in 2018. The result slightly exceeded the previous March record of 98.98% set in 2025 and continues a broader upward trend across the sector.

 

Average survival rates across the first quarter of 2026 also reached a record 99.03%, narrowly surpassing the 99.02% achieved during the same period last year and representing the strongest start to a production year on record.

 

"Record survival rates are encouraging and reflect the dedication of farmers across Scotland's coastal communities," Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott said in a statement. "They also show the impact of sustained investment in fish health, technology, and farm management."

 

The latest figures follow a comparatively strong 2025, when average monthly survival remained around 98.3% throughout the year.

 

Salmon Scotland attributed the improvements to significant long-term investment in fish health and welfare initiatives. Since 2018, producers have invested more than £1 billion (US$1.4 billion) in veterinary care, freshwater treatment technologies, monitoring systems, staff training, and stock-management strategies aimed at improving resilience and reducing biological challenges.

 

Scott said the latest results demonstrate the industry's commitment to responsible farming, with producers maintaining high animal welfare standards while continuously seeking improvements.

 

He added that ongoing efforts to shorten marine grow-out periods, together with expanded use of freshwater treatment systems and enhanced monitoring practices, are helping to improve outcomes across the sector.

 

Scott also noted that improved survival rates bring commercial benefits, with "more nutritious, low-carbon food reaching consumers at home and overseas, supporting jobs, communities, and economic growth."

 

- SeafoodSource