September 20, 2006

Thousands of fish die after vandals free farmed fish

Thousands of dead fish are being washed up along the west coast of Scotland after supposed animal activists freed 15,000 halibut from their cages.

The raid, at Kames Marine Fish Farm, near Oban, could be linked to a string of other farm attacks throughout the country. At least three other fish farms in the UK have been attacked in the past year

The letters ALF (Animal Liberation Front) were spray-painted in this attack and the loss is estimated to have cost the fish farm at least GBP500,000 (US$941,000) as boats, cranes and offices were also vandalised.

The halibut died from starvation or getting caught in seaweed.

The fish farmer, who did not wish to be identified, said that even if the aim had been to free the fishes, the sad fact is that all farmed animals, whether they are fish or any animals, do not survive unless they are looked after.

Fishes are farmed in a sustainable way that does not threaten the fishes in the wild, the farmer said. The fishes are also taken care of, with their welfare being the top priority. This would have been a better option than fishing in the sea and threatening an already declining fish population, he stressed.