Scottish Salmon Industry Accused of "Greenwashing" in Shocking Investigation

Scottish Salmon Industry Under Fire for "Greenwashing"

An Examination of Scottish Farmed Salmon," exposes the use of "greenwashing" tactics to mask the reality of high fish mortality rates, sea lice infestations, and extensive chemical use.

The investigation, conducted by the charity WildFish, included undercover footage from two salmon farms, one owned by Mowi and the other by Loch Duart. The footage revealed shocking conditions, including fish with severe ulcers, deformities, and mutilations.

The report also analyzed data on mortality rates, sea lice levels, and chemical use across the seven major Scottish salmon farming companies. It found that in 2023, Scottish salmon farms registered a record 17.4 million premature deaths, with Mowi alone accounting for 4.7 million. Additionally, the report revealed extensive use of hydrogen peroxide, a corrosive chemical, to treat sea lice and amoebic gill disease.

WildFish argues that the industry's marketing, which often emphasizes sustainability and high welfare standards, is misleading consumers. The report calls for chefs, restaurants, and supermarkets to remove open-net farmed salmon from their menus in a campaign called "Off the Table."

The salmon industry has defended its practices, claiming that most of the fish are healthy and that hydrogen peroxide is a safe, vet-approved medicine. However, the industry has acknowledged the need for improvement and is investing in new methods and technology to enhance fish welfare.

The investigation has sparked calls for greater transparency and regulation within the Scottish salmon industry. It remains to be seen whether the industry will take the necessary steps to address the concerns raised in the report and ensure the welfare of both fish and the environment.