Position Statements

SCOTTISH SALMON PRODUCERS’ ORGANISATION COMMENT ON SCIENTIFIC REVIEW OF ORIGINS OF HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS

Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) welcomes the findings of the scientific review of literature on the nature and origins of harmful algal blooms in Scotland.

The scientific review of literature suggests “there is no evidence that aquaculture is contributory to the harmful bloom occurrences reported for Scottish coastal waters.”

Contrary to comments from some observers, the scientific review also notes that:

• There is no evidence of an increase in harmful algal blooms in Scottish waters;

• While blooms at fish farm sites are known from other countries, and there is evidence that fish wastes can stimulate growth of harmful species, there is no evidence for such impacts in Scottish waters; 

• Blooms of the harmful species present in Scottish waters are not dependent on stimulation from aquaculture; all harmful species have bloomed in habitats not influenced by fish farms or by shellfish cultivation.

Whilst the report complements the “very sophisticated and advanced [expertise in quantitative analyses and modelling of nutrient-fish farm dynamics] in Scotland relative to elsewhere in Europe”, SSPO welcomes the recommendation that appropriate governmental agencies, marine institutions and scientists consider the need for increasing the number of scientists engaged in this form of research so as to better equip Scotland and its aquaculture industry should a series of naturally occurring harmful blooms develop in Scottish waters.

References:

• Harmful Algal Bloom Communities in Scottish Coastal Waters: Relationship to Fish Farming and Regional Comparisons - A Review: Paper 2006/3, February 2006, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/02/03095327/0

END

For further information please contact Ken Hughes or Julie Edgar of Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation on 01738 587000 or email khughes@scottishsalmon.co.uk or jedgar@scottishsalmon.co.uk.

 

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