Scottish salmon farms seek growth despite mounting fish deaths and environmental concerns

Scotland is the world’s third-largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), after Norway and Chile. The industry is seeking to significantly increase production in Scotland, driven by growing export demand.However, it faces ethical concerns over mounting fish mortality, as well as environmental concerns about pollution, the proliferation of sea lice affecting wild salmon, and opposition from several local communities.Industry members acknowledge the challenge of growing salmon amid rising sea temperatures, but say Scottish salmon farms have made progress in managing sea lice and other health challenges. By Francesco De Augustinis