August 30, 2006

Escapes from UK fish farms threaten survival of salmon species

About 1.6 million farmed salmon have escaped into the wild in the past three years, according to the Scottish Executive.

The figures were derived from more than 50 accidents that were documented since 2000. Last year alone, more than 800,000 salmons escaped. 

Escapes are expected to drop steeply this year. Figures so far show that a little more than 100,000 fishes have escaped.

Research indicated that the mortality rate of the young of wild salmon rises sharply when wild salmons mate with the domesticated version.

The latest figures confirm fears among officials of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation that wild salmon populations are continuing to decline despite stricter regulations.

The windier a place is, the more likely salmons are likely to escape.

It is now estimated that most of the salmon returning to rivers in Scotland, Norway, Ireland and Canada are related to farmed salmons.

A study by researchers of Ireland's Marine Institute found that 70 percent of the second-generation hybrids died in their first few weeks as a result of genetic incompatibilities.

Fish farmers often cite natural causes such as inclement weather as reasons for fish escapes. Don Staniford, of the Pure Salmon Campaign, however, said situating sea cages in areas known to have turbulent weather is tantamount to generating man-made disasters and farmers have no right to point the finger at natural elements.