December 3, 2024

 

Scotland, UK delays decision on semi-closed salmon farm proposal at Loch Long

The government of Scotland, UK is under scrutiny over the prolonged decision-making process regarding a proposed semi-closed containment salmon farm at Beinn Reithe, Loch Long.

 

Despite the conclusion of a planning inquiry more than a year ago, a final decision has yet to be announced.

 

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority initially rejected the 3,400-tonne farm in October 2022. Following an appeal by Loch Long Salmon (LLS) in February 2023, a planning inquiry was held in late September and early October of that year. The government-appointed planning reporter reviewed the evidence before submitting recommendations to ministers.

 

At the Scottish Parliament on November 13, 2024, the delay was raised during an inquiry into salmon farming by the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee. Convenor Finlay Carson questioned Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon about potential capacity issues within the Scottish Government.

 

Carson highlighted correspondence from LLS, which stated that its proposed semi-enclosed caged farming system might address concerns related to open net pen salmon farming. He pointed out that the application has been pending government approval for nearly two years.

 

In response, Gougeon clarified that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the planning minister, currently Finance and Local Government Secretary Shona Robison.

 

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government said, "Scottish ministers are giving full and proper consideration to this appeal, and every effort is being made to issue a decision as soon as possible." However, no further details were provided about the reasons for the delay.

 

Mark Shotter, project director at LLS, expressed frustration over the timeline. "We're now approaching two years since we submitted an appeal for our proposed project at Beinn Reithe. The project, representing a GBP 40 million (US$50.7 million) investment, will bring economic benefits locally and nationally, create jobs, and advance Scotland's aquaculture targets. A clear decision timeline is critical for the confidence of both investors and the supply chain itself."

 

The proposed farm would feature four floating enclosures, each with a circumference of 140m, and a fifth enclosure for harvesting. The semi-closed containment system (SCCS) is designed to address environmental concerns. LLS claims it can collect over 85% of fish waste and uneaten feed, as well as significantly reduce issues with sea lice by drawing water from below their typical habitat.

 

A waste management system would dewater waste at a shore base, returning treated water to the loch. In January 2021, LLS received a Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) licence from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to farm up to 3,452 tonnes of fish at Beinn Reithe.

 

LLS has criticised the National Park Authority's planning board for failing to properly consider supportive input from SEPA, Forestry and Land Scotland, NatureScot, and the Arrochar Community Council. All these stakeholders have indicated that the project could proceed.

 

In addition to the Beinn Reithe site, LLS is planning an 8,000-tonne-per-year SCCS salmon farm at Lurignish, Loch Linnhe, though a planning application for this site has not yet been submitted to Argyll and Bute Council.

 

-      Fishfarmingexpert