Call for moratorium on expansion of industrial salmon farming in the UK
There should be a moratorium on any further ad hoc expansion or extension of salmon farming on an industrial scale such as the example of expansion proposed by Scottish Salmon Company at Plocropol, Isle of Harris, until there has been a strategic review which identifies areas where expansion would or would not be acceptable in relation to wild fish interests, ecology, wildlife and the local economy, which relies heavily upon tourism and the reputation of its clean coastal waters and fresh seafood. Since salmon farming on this scale has toxic effects on our ecosystem, and will be more than the local wild salmonid population could bear during the spring, such expansion would present a significant risk to wild sea trout and salmon smolts migrating through the area.
There are many salmon farms in our inshore waters. Sustainable marine fish farming requires that the levels of nutrient and chemical inputs are not allowed to exceed the environmental capacity of the surrounding aquatic environment. The environmental impact is dependent on the total production in a hydrographically distinct region which may be cumulative from many farms. Analysis of cumulative impact on the region needs to be established, prior to industrial scale fish farming consents.
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116 comments
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bradan
commented
The Plocropol application has been re-submitted. There was a Council meeting with Scottish Salmon Company on 5 Dec 2011 to discuss re-submission. The application now coincides with the Xmas period and objections need to be registered afresh by January 9 2012, please quote: 11/00597/FFPA | Installation of a (150 tonne) feed barge and extension to seabed moorings area to set the moorings for 14 no cages of 70m circumference | Marine Site Plocropol Finfish Farm East Loch Tarbert East Tarbert Isle Of Harris.
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Anonymous
commented
Moratorium required, alternatives must be sought.
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Lisa Williams
commented
Please don't have huge fish farms in Harris bays.it is total madness for tourism which is the biggest income for the island.total madness!!!!
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Anonymous
commented
We'd like to ask Sepa WHERE are the results for CYPERMETHRIN - the chemical toxic to shellfish. Sepa has released the results of its latest surveys of sea lochs for four pesticides: teflubenzuron, diflubenzuron, emamectin and ivermectin. These are all compounds for treating salmon infested with sea lice. Results show that 9 west coast sea lochs are polluted with toxic chemicals.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/beauty-spot-lochs-contaminated-by-toxic-chemicals-1.1135842 -
Donald MacLeod
commented
It's fundamentally wrong to allow national or international corporations like this Jersey-based one to exploit the uniquely precious environmental resources of the Outer Hebrides, with large (and unpredictable) environmental and social costs that are offset by only minimal, if any short term local benefit. The proposed feed barge will be a monstrosity. Please don't allow it or any associated further expansion!
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Anonymous
commented
17/11/11 http://www.hebrides-news.com/salmon-farm-row-171111.html
Community petition opposing fish farm thrown out under “secret” rules.
A community petition with over 500 names opposing a controversial fish farm has been rejected by Western Isles Council because it breaches “secret” rules the authority failed - and continues to fail - to tell anyone about. -
Anonymous
commented
Isle of Harris Villagers BLOCK salmon farm access: http://www.hebrides-news.com/harris-salmon-farm-row-101111.html
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John archibald Henderson
commented
I agree whole heartedly with the moratorium direction i also agree with points raised, especially relating to toxicity effects. Although i am not from your region i support your direction completely, i hope my vote may help your cause. .
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Anonymous
commented
7 Nov 2011. We are starting to witness the effects of the campaign!
http://www.hebrides-news.com/harris-salmon-farm-row-71111.html
A very big THANK YOU to everyone who supported the Plocropol campaign so far, signed the petition, and sent in objections. The good news is that the planning application for expansion from 14-20 cages has today been withdrawn (Planning ref.Plocropol: 11/00149/FFPAES).But its not over yet!
There is an associated planning application for a feed barge to serve this farm (Planning reference: 11/00450/FFPA) | The barge application has not been withdrawn. The petition will remain open - the campaign goes on. You are very welcome to sign the Plocropol petition and like us on Facebook. Keep in touch and we'll keep you posted on what's happening.
It's really IMPORTANT that people continue to sign up to the call for a moratorium on industrial salmon farming. PLEASE KEEP ADDING YOUR SIGNATURES TO THIS CAMPAIGN. Thank you.
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Graham ANTHONY
commented
WATER PURITY AND POLLUTION HAS LASTING EFFECTS AND THE AGENCIES SEEM TO BELIEVE THAT THE SEA CAN COPE BUT CLEARLY IT CANNOT.
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Linda
commented
No more fish farms - boycott these products and vote for a re-think
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Anni
commented
Eco tourism brings in millions to local people, fish farming on this scale only benefits the owners of the company.
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Richard Ings
commented
It's a bit like smoking and lung cancer. Everyone knew smoking was bad for you but the tobacco industry denied it until there was absolute scientific proof. By that time damage to millions was already done. In my opinion the salmon farming industry is guilty of using the same tactics.
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Christine Davies
commented
There is no justification for wrecking the environment in order to produce tasteless farmed salmon, and probably killing of wild fish in the process.
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Anonymous
commented
http://www.motorhomescotland.com/camper_hire.html Most recent photos of common seals shot in Lochalsh, with the Marine Harvest Salmon Farm behind. Pictures taken on 19th May, Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland .
Following a police investigation, it seems likely that these seals heads were not cut off, as reported in the press. Instead they exploded when they were hit by an expanding bullet from a high velocity rifle.
One is a pregnant female with approx' 3 weeks to go, the other is a juvenile seal 2-3 years old. Neither seal caused any damage to the salmon farm, they just happened to be swimming near it.
Help stop this happening on our shores, please sign the petition at: http://38degrees.uservoice.com/forums/78585-campaign-suggestions/suggestions/2244122-call-for-moratorium-on-expansion-of-industrial-sal -
andy lee
commented
wild and free scottish salmon roaming the sea and river.and thats how it should be
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Linda Smith
commented
Why do people never think of the long term impact of what they do. The reason this planet has gone to hell is because we leave things for someone else to clean up.
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Alison Laurie
commented
Hi Everyone. Remember you have to click on the small vote button under the counter to register votes. Comments are fab but don't take this petition up the rankings. Also, see Herald article yesterday. http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/award-winning-fish-farm-in-pollution-row-1.1132021 Thanks.
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I A Nimmo
commented
I'm in favour of the moratorium, for the same reason as the previous poster. I'd re-think were there convincing evidence that salmon farming is 'safe'.
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James Crisp
commented
I am in favour of halting the expansion until the facts can be established.
