Mass Salmon Mortality in Scottish Aquaculture Sparks Regulatory Concerns
Scottish salmon farms have reported more than 35 million unexpected salmon deaths in a period of just under three years, according to recent data. This alarming figure has ignited a significant outcry from animal welfare organisations, who argue that the regulatory oversight of the industry is insufficiently robust.
Inspection Deficiencies Highlighted by Campaigners
Animal Equality UK, through a freedom of information request, has uncovered that the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) inspected only 21 of Scotland's 213 active salmon farms between January 2023 and October 2025. Notably, none of the 20 worst-performing sites, which collectively accounted for over 10 million deaths, were subject to inspection during this timeframe.
Furthermore, while the Scottish government's website states that unannounced inspections are a statutory requirement, only two such inspections were conducted between January 2023 and September 2025, both occurring in 2024. This revelation has led campaigners to question the government's assertion of a "really robust regulatory regime" for fin-fish aquaculture, as stated by Mairi Gougeon, the secretary for rural affairs, in December.
Animal Equality Calls for Systemic Overhaul
Abigail Penny, the executive director of Animal Equality UK, has been vocal in her criticism, describing the level of scrutiny as "embarrassingly poor." She emphasised the need for a complete overhaul of the regulatory system, arguing that the current approach makes a mockery of animal welfare protections. Penny contends that regulators appear more focused on safeguarding industry reputation than on ensuring the well-being of the animals.
The official death toll of 35,867,788 salmon between January 2023 and October 2025 is believed to be an underestimate. Animal Equality suggests the true figure is likely far higher, as it excludes fish that are culled, die during transport, perish within their first six weeks at sea, or are used as "cleanerfish." Estimates indicate that at least 7 million cleanerfish, which are employed to remove lice from caged salmon, have died on Scottish farms since 2020.
Regulatory Response and Industry Defence
The APHA has received 22 complaints regarding fish welfare abuses since 2022, yet it has never issued a formal warning, care notice, or referred a case to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Of the 20 complaints investigated, enforcement actions were limited to verbal or written advice and follow-up visits. The agency declined to release inspection report forms to Animal Equality, citing concerns that disclosure could harm companies' business operations and reputations.
In response, an APHA spokesperson affirmed that all reports of suspected poor welfare are taken seriously and assessed by veterinary professionals, with close collaboration involving local authorities and the fish health inspectorate. A Scottish government spokesperson added that approximately 250 statutory finfish site inspections are conducted annually for disease surveillance, which can be pre-arranged, short-notice, or unannounced based on intelligence.
Salmon Scotland, representing the industry, defended its practices, stating that farmers adhere to some of the highest health, welfare, and environmental standards globally. The organisation highlighted an investment of over £1 billion in innovation, veterinary care, technology, and stock management to enhance welfare, while accusing activists of presenting a misleading portrayal of farm conditions.
Ongoing Parliamentary Scrutiny
The Scottish parliament's rural affairs and islands committee is set to question salmon farming executives on 25 February as part of an ongoing inquiry. This follows previous criticism from the committee in January last year, which noted the government's "slow progress" in regulating the salmon farming industry. The upcoming session is expected to delve deeper into the issues of mortality rates and inspection protocols, potentially influencing future regulatory reforms.
