September 27, 2022

 

Mowi Scotland to appeal against SEPA refusal to expand salmon farm

 

 

Mowi Scotland has filed a notice of appeal in response to a recent denial of planning authorization for a 10% production increase on its Loch Hourn salmon farm, Fish Information & Services reported.

 

If the appeal is successful, permission would be given for the installation of a second fish pen and a 10% increase in the farm's production capacity.

 

Stephen MacIntyre, head of environment at Mowi Scotland, said they have concluded there are strong evidence-based grounds to contest the reasons for refusal and, in accordance with the statutory provision, they intend to appeal against the decision.

 

He said they will provide clear information and evidence demonstrating why they believe the decision to deny planning permission was not consistent with development plan policy, nor was the application and the Environmental Impact Assessment Report properly evaluated.

 

The company anticipates that when considering social, economic, and environmental sustainability, development decisions that have a significant impact on the livelihoods of numerous local families will be evidence-based.

 

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) determined that the application would not pose any significant risk to the protected species and seabed habitats and has therefore issued a modified Controlled Activities Regulations Licence.

 

Planners from the Highland Council recommended that the initial planning permission be approved, and no statutory agencies objected.

 

There are currently seven circular pens with a 160-meter circumference at the Loch Hourn salmon farm, which has recently been upgraded with fewer, larger pens. According to the 2,500 tonnes of production cap set by the planning authority, the farm is currently stocked with young salmon.

 

MacIntyre said fewer, larger pens have clear advantages, including fewer visual impacts, operational efficiencies, lower fish stocking densities, and improved health and welfare for our salmon.

 

He said they are happy that they can now start updating and modernising the Loch Hourn farm as fish farming in Scotland changes as a result of emerging new technology, adding that they are witnessing the advantages these new, larger pens bring to these locations at Loch Hourn, the fifth Mowi fish farm to make the switch.

 

-      Fish Information & Services