© Loch Long Salmon
Loch Long Salmon has secured planning permission to create the first semi-closed containment fish farm in Scotland in Loch Long, Argyll and Bute, which will be transformative for the nation’s aquaculture sector.
Representing £40 million of investment, the Beinn Reithe application was called-in by the Scottish government for determination and was approved by Scottish Ministers on August 26. Recognised as a project of national significance, Loch Long Salmon can now progress with its ambitious vision to bring semi-closed containment technology to Scotland for the first time having already secured its permit from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in December 2021.
Improved environmental and welfare starndards
According to the company, this will improve environmental and animal welfare standards, as well as strengthen the sector’s international competitiveness. Sustainable, farmed salmon is one of Scotland’s most significant exports and was named as the UK’s top food export in 2023.
Semi-closed containment farming is already widely used in countries including Canada, Norway and the Faroe Islands, where it is transforming industries by improving the welfare of salmon whilst creating economic benefit and greener outputs.
“After years of planning and engagement with communities and stakeholders, we are tremendously pleased to have the backing of the Scottish government to deliver our first project at Loch Long,” said Mark Shotter, project director at Loch Long Salmon, in a press release.
Positive impact on the local community
The project will also directly benefit the communities around Arrochar through the creation of 12 full-time jobs once the site is in operation. Loch Long Salmon will also establish a dedicated community benefit fund, contributing £100,000 of funding every year for a minimum of 20 years. Community representatives will decide how to use these funds to best enhance the local area.
“I very much welcome the news that Loch Long Salmon can now progress with the delivery of their innovative project that will inject significant investment into the local community. The dedicated community fund will go a long-way towards future-proofing many local organisations and events, which underlines Loch Long Salmon’s commitment to delivering positive impact within the region,” added Ronnie Ross, chair of the Arrochar, Tarbet and Ardlui Community Council.
Semi-closed containment farming systems look much like conventional pens from above, but under the water they have an opaque, impermeable outer barrier that surrounds the fish net, with water drawn up and circulated from deeper in the loch.
This removes the threat of sea lice and attacks by seals while allowing the farmer to capture waste and bring it ashore for a circular economy application such as waste to energy.
