Scotland's salmon farming industry is facing mounting criticism over its handling of animal welfare concerns. In just under three years, more than 35 million unexpected salmon deaths were recorded on Scottish farms, sparking accusations that the government's regulatory regime is inadequate.
Despite the high number of fish deaths, there have been only two unannounced inspections of salmon farms in Scotland since January 2023, raising questions over the effectiveness of the government's welfare legislation. In fact, Animal Equality UK has revealed that just 21 out of Scotland's 213 active salmon farms were inspected between January 2023 and October 2025.
The lack of scrutiny is particularly concerning given that 35 million fish deaths were reported in the same period. Experts say that this figure is likely to be underestimates, as many fish are culled or die during transport, while others perish within their first six weeks at sea.
Animal welfare campaigners have accused the government of prioritizing industry reputation over animal welfare. "A complete overhaul of the regulatory system is essential," said Abigail Penny, executive director of Animal Equality UK. "This low level of scrutiny is embarrassingly poor. How can the cabinet secretary claim regulation is robust when inspections and sanctions are virtually nonexistent? It makes a mockery of the system."
In response to criticism, the Scottish government has claimed that unannounced inspections are a statutory requirement, but only two were carried out in 2024. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has also refused to disclose inspection report forms, citing concerns over impacting companies' ability to conduct business.
The issue is set to come under further scrutiny when the Scottish parliament's rural affairs and islands committee questions salmon farming executives on February 25. The committee had previously criticized the government for its slow progress in regulating the industry.
Despite the high number of fish deaths, there have been only two unannounced inspections of salmon farms in Scotland since January 2023, raising questions over the effectiveness of the government's welfare legislation. In fact, Animal Equality UK has revealed that just 21 out of Scotland's 213 active salmon farms were inspected between January 2023 and October 2025.
The lack of scrutiny is particularly concerning given that 35 million fish deaths were reported in the same period. Experts say that this figure is likely to be underestimates, as many fish are culled or die during transport, while others perish within their first six weeks at sea.
Animal welfare campaigners have accused the government of prioritizing industry reputation over animal welfare. "A complete overhaul of the regulatory system is essential," said Abigail Penny, executive director of Animal Equality UK. "This low level of scrutiny is embarrassingly poor. How can the cabinet secretary claim regulation is robust when inspections and sanctions are virtually nonexistent? It makes a mockery of the system."
In response to criticism, the Scottish government has claimed that unannounced inspections are a statutory requirement, but only two were carried out in 2024. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has also refused to disclose inspection report forms, citing concerns over impacting companies' ability to conduct business.
The issue is set to come under further scrutiny when the Scottish parliament's rural affairs and islands committee questions salmon farming executives on February 25. The committee had previously criticized the government for its slow progress in regulating the industry.
Like, what's really going on here? If they're only carrying out like two unannounced inspections since January 2023, and we all know there's been some major issues with the salmon farms, it just doesn't add up. And now they're trying to brush it off by saying that's 'statutory requirement'... yeah right 
. It feels like they're more concerned about keeping their friends in the industry happy than actually doing what's best for the animals.
Like, I know we need sustainable food sources, but does that mean sacrificing animal welfare? 
According to Animal Equality UK, 35 million fish deaths in just under three years sounds like a massive failure rate... and it's only estimated that's like half the actual number because of fish dying during transport or at sea 
. Abigail Penny from Animal Equality UK is right on point - we need a complete overhaul of the system, stat! 
The lack of scrutiny is just crazy... I mean, 213 active salmon farms in Scotland and only 21 were inspected between January 2023 to October 2025? 
That's like having 99% of our schools without any inspections, wouldn't that be a scandal?! 
? Meanwhile, Scotland's farming industry is responsible for around 10-15% of global production 
. Time for some transparency and accountability! 
. it's all about the profits over animal welfare, imo 
I mean, come on! 35 million fish deaths and only two unannounced inspections since 2023? That's just not right 
. Abigail Penny from Animal Equality UK says it all - a complete overhaul is needed, no questions asked 
Shouldn't they be transparent about farm conditions and inspection results? It's fishy, if you ask me! 
Anyway, I agree that animal welfare needs to be prioritized, but I don't buy the "industry reputation over welfare" narrative... seems like a convenient excuse. 
. Like, I get it, farms need to be efficient but 35 million fish deaths is just crazy! 
And what's up with only two unannounced inspections since Jan 2023? 
. And the fact that they won't disclose inspection report forms makes it even harder to know what's really going on 
. I hope the rural affairs committee gets some answers soon... this whole thing is just giving me major anxiety 
I'm so over this salmon farming stuff! Like, can't they get their act together? We know about 35 million fish deaths and yet the gov's only done like 2 unannounced inspections? 
And now they're just stonewalling us with inspection report forms? Give me a break! 
I mean, come on, 35 million fish deaths is a huge number! It's not just about the numbers, it's about the welfare of those animals. If we can't even get basic inspections done to ensure they're being treated humanely, how can we trust the industry to take care of them? 
I couldn't agree more. This isn't just about animal welfare; it's also about maintaining public trust in our food systems. We need to know that the fish we're eating are treated with care and respect.
. i mean, shouldn't we be trying to protect those animals instead of covering our backsides? 
. The gov needs to step up their game and get some real inspections goin on ASAP 
. And yeah, I agree with Abigail Penny, more transparency and strict enforcement would really help. It's not just about inspection frequency, it's about making sure these farms are held accountable for their practices 
.
. I'm sure the government's focus on "industry reputation" has nothing to do with them trying to avoid a PR disaster 
. It's not like experts are warning that the figure of 35 million dead fish might be an underestimate... maybe they're just being dramatic 
.
, abigail penny sounds like a legit person trying to protect the animals 