In a semi-closed containment pen the net is surrounded and protected by an impermeable barrier – with water drawn up and circulated from deeper in the loch – that removes the threat of sea lice and attacks by seals © Loch Long Salmon
Salmon farming company, Loch Long Salmon, is in the early stages of planning and engagement for its salmon farm within Loch Linnhe just off the coast from Lurignish, which would bring semi-closed containment salmon farming to Scotland for the first time.
The company are holding a supply chain event to discuss the economic potential of its aquaculture project with businesses in the Lochaber region. The event will take place from 2-5pm on Wednesday 10 May in the WSB Conference Suite at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) at Dunbeg near Oban. The event is open to businesses that currently work within the aquaculture sector, as well as possible new entrants to the sector.
The Loch Long Salmon project is expected to require a total investment of over £60 million, representing an exciting opportunity for local and regional businesses to get involved in consenting, construction and operational phases.
From the surface a semi-closed containment site looks like a conventional open net salmon farm, but underneath the water the net is surrounded and protected by an impermeable barrier, with water drawn up and circulated from deeper in the Loch. This barrier removes the threat of sea lice and attacks by seals, meaning sea lice treatments or acoustic devices – that can harm dolphins or other cetaceans – are no longer required. The technology also captures the salmon waste that can be brought ashore and used in green energy production or as a fertiliser ingredient.
“The semi-closed containment technology we are proposing for our site at Lurignish on Loch Linnhe has been proven commercially in Norway, Canada and the Faroe Islands. While there are some elements that differ to existing systems in operation there are a lot of technical similarities and we know businesses here have the right expertise and skills to help,” explained Stewart Hawthorn, managing director of Loch Long Salmon, in a press release.
“I hope we see a range of businesses from the area so they can hear about our plans and we can better understand the local supply chain, allowing us to maximise the economic benefits of this transformative technology for this region and the rest of Scotland,” concluded Hawthorn.
Any business interested in attending the supply chain event on 10 May should email Mark Shotter.
