Over 1m Salmon Die in Scottish Farms Due to Rising Sea Temperatures

Scotland recently experienced the largest mass die-off of farmed salmon in a decade, with Mowi Scotland confirming the deaths of 1.05 million fish across two adjacent sites in Loch Seaforth. The production cycle began in spring 2023, revealing unprecedented mortality attributed primarily to rising sea temperatures that have triggered jellyfish blooms. These blooms create hazardous conditions for salmon, as jellyfish stings can severely damage their eyes, skin, and gills, leading to increased mortality rates. The alarming fish death statistics have raised significant concerns among campaigning groups and environmental experts. Advocates worry that expanding salmon farming operations could continue to jeopardize both animal welfare and the marine ecosystem. John Aitchison from Scotland's Coastal Communities Network emphasized the troubling trajectory of salmon mortality rates, suggesting that the growth of the industry might exacerbate the situation further. Compounding the issue, the RSPCA recently suspended three Scottish salmon farming sites, including Mowi’s Loch Alsh, following allegations of welfare breaches, underscoring ongoing concerns about farming practices. The situation has elicited calls for a comprehensive review of industry standards and sustainability. Despite the notable number of deaths, Mowi Scotland's executives have countered claims of poor welfare, asserting that the mass mortality is not indicative of inadequate farming practices. They stressed that the unique environmental challenges posed by rising temperatures and jellyfish infestations are indeed at the crux of the issue, casting a shadow over the future of salmon farming in the region.