Scottish fish farmers highlight strong salmon survival rates

Figures published today have revealed a 98.18% survival rate on Scottish salmon farms in September, which is traditionally the most challenging month for salmon in the sea.

The percentage of fallen stock was around half the rate recorded in September last year, when warm sea temperatures in the autumn led to microjellyfish blooms which can harm fish, and the best September for four years.

Throughout 2024, monthly survival rates have been consistently high, reaching 99.03% in June, said trade body Salmon Scotland.

Production survey

The survival figures come ahead of the annual production survey for 2023 that is due to be published by the Scottish Government tomorrow.

It will show a decrease in harvest volumes last year due to the environmental challenges widely reported at the time.

Salmon Scotland said the time lag will not record that the situation has transformed significantly since then, with production up 15% in the first half of 2024 (to 86,600 tonnes from around 75,000 tonnes) compared to the same period last year.

£1bn investment

Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott said: “Scottish salmon farmers provide the highest standards anywhere in the world for the animals in their care, and have invested £1 billion in fish health and welfare since 2018.

“And while no farmer wants to lose any animal, the care our farmers provide means that survival rates for farm-raised salmon – which spend up to 18 months in the sea – are dramatically higher than their wild cousins (only 1-2% return to their natal rivers).

“It is testament to the dedication of farmers that survival rates on Scottish salmon farms are now at the highest level since 2020.”