January 18, 2021

Study finds lesser carbon emissions with Scottish salmon compared to other UK animal proteins

In terms of carbon footprints, farmed Scottish salmon performed significantly better in a study than all other major UK-produced animal proteins including beef, lamb and even free-range chicken.

The scientific research, led by the University of Lancaster's Professor Mike Berners-Lee, concluded that every kilogramme of edible salmon grown accounts for just 4.1 kilogrammes of CO2, the same as wild caught cod. By comparison, a kilo of UK beef accounts for 25 kilogrammes of carbon emissions.

With 80% of farmed Scottish salmon's carbon footprint arising from feed production, new technologies currently being explored by the sector are likely to bring about further significant improvements in the near future, said the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO). These include partially replacing existing fishmeal ingredients with insect-derived or even CO2-derived feed substitutes.

- SSPO