Home / Environment / Severe Storm Damages Fish Farm, Releases 75,000 Farmed Salmon into Loch Linnhe
Severe Storm Damages Fish Farm, Releases 75,000 Farmed Salmon into Loch Linnhe
9 Oct
Summary
- 75,000 farmed salmon escaped into Loch Linnhe after a fish farm was damaged by Storm Amy
- Escaped fish pose risk to wild salmon populations, according to Scottish Greens MSP and charity
- Mowi, the fish farm operator, is investigating the incident and regrets the escape
On 2025-10-09T18:24:14+00:00, it was reported that a severe storm, named Storm Amy, has led to the escape of almost 75,000 farmed salmon from a fish farm in Loch Linnhe, Highlands. The incident occurred last weekend when the intense weather conditions caused damage to a net pen at the Gorsten farm operated by Mowi, a major fish farm company.
According to Mowi, the storm's high winds caused the mooring anchors to drag, bringing the pen net into contact with a flotation pipe and causing a tear. Despite the challenging conditions, Mowi swiftly informed the relevant authorities, including local fisheries stakeholders, and is now conducting a full investigation into the matter.
The escaped farmed salmon have raised concerns among environmental groups, such as Scottish Greens MSP Ariane Burgess and the charity WildFish Scotland. They warn that the presence of these escaped fish in the open waters could pose a serious threat to the already depleted wild salmon populations in the area. When farmed salmon breed with wild fish, it can weaken the wild population and reduce their chances of survival.
The Scottish government has stated that it is committed to working with the industry, conservation groups, and local communities to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for fish farming in the country.
