Press Release

After 18 months of deliberations, the first of a series of working groups to help protect wild salmonids has delivered its recommendations in a new report.

Official export statistics published by HMRC show that the Scottish salmon farming sector reacted swiftly to the impact of coronavirus as it began to spread through Asia and into Europe.

Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing has paid tribute to Scotland’s fish farming workers for keeping the supply of fresh salmon, trout and shellfish reaching UK supermarkets.

As the focus to protect public health and keep fresh food in UK supermarkets continues, the salmon farming sector has welcomed the steps taken by SEPA to create a temporary protocol which protects farmers’ health while maintaining fish welfare and environmental standards.

The salmon farming sector has welcomed the temporary regulatory flexibility agreed with SEPA and Marine Scotland to help manage the impacts of reduced staff availability and disruption to processing and retail distribution as a result of Covid-19.

Hamish Macdonell, Director of Strategic Engagement for SSPO, said:

SSPO seeks clarification about key workers

The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) is seeking clarification on which workers are to be classified as ‘key workers’.

As the COVID-19 crisis escalates the Scottish salmon sector is working hard to mitigate impacts while ensuring the health and welfare of employees and their fish.

Hamish Macdonell, the Director of Strategic Engagement at the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation said:

As the UK's number one food export, restrictions imposed across the globe to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic are inevitably impacting on the Scottish salmon farming sector.