Home / Environment / Scotland's Largest Salmon Farm Approved Amidst Fierce Opposition
Scotland's Largest Salmon Farm Approved Amidst Fierce Opposition
12 Feb
Summary
- Shetland Islands Council approved an £8m salmon farm redevelopment.
- The new farm, Fish Holm, could hold up to 6,000 tonnes of salmon.
- Wildlife campaigners and NatureScot raised significant environmental concerns.
Shetland Islands Council has granted approval for an £8 million redevelopment project in Yell Sound, which will establish Scotland's largest salmon farm. The proposed facility, named Fish Holm, is an expansion of existing Scottish Sea Farms operations.
The enlarged farm is projected to contain up to 6,000 tonnes of salmon, a significant increase from current allowances. This development, however, has sparked considerable opposition from wildlife campaigners and environmental bodies.
Concerns have been raised by WildFish and NatureScot about the potential negative impacts on wild sea trout, wild salmon populations, and bird species due to sea lice and ecosystem disturbances.
Scottish Sea Farms stated the expansion is crucial for the long-term sustainability of its operations and the salmon sector. The council's approval is subject to conditions, including a three-year timeframe for work to commence and environmental surveys.
