Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 November 2010.

Fishing: Salmon Farming

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to representations from private anglers' organisations about the adverse effects of salmon farming practices.

Answer: I am not aware of any specific representations. In addition, the vast majority of the farming of salmon in the UK takes place in Scotland. As responsibility for aquaculture is a devolved matter, I am not in a position to comment on issues relating to fish farms in Scotland. There is no farming of adult (post-smolt) salmon in England and Wales. There is a small number of sites in England that rear smolts for on-growing in Scottish farms, but these are in secure recirculation units or secure tank systems. Operators of fish farms in England and Wales are required to ensure that screens are in place to prevent the entrainment of migratory salmonids into fish farms and the egress of farmed fish from the farms. The Environment Agency regularly inspects fish farm sites, and escapee numbers are assessed in routine juvenile salmonid monitoring programmes. In addition, the Environment Agency regulates effluent discharges to ensure that environmental quality standards are met in any receiving water.

Secondary information