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The Scottish salmon farming industry is facing significant scrutiny following the shocking revelation that over 35 million salmon have died unexpectedly across the country’s farms in less than three years. This stark figure raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight, as only two unannounced inspections were conducted during the same period. Animal welfare advocates are now calling for urgent reforms to address what they describe as an “embarrassingly poor” level of scrutiny.
A Deep Dive into the Numbers
Data obtained through a freedom of information request from Animal Equality UK reveals that between January 2023 and October 2025, a staggering 35,867,788 salmon deaths were reported. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which is tasked with enforcing animal welfare legislation, only inspected 21 out of 213 active salmon farms within that timeframe. Alarmingly, none of the 20 farms that reported the highest mortality rates—accounting for more than 10 million deaths—were inspected at all.
The Scottish government has defended its regulatory regime, with Mairi Gougeon, the secretary for rural affairs, asserting that it is “really robust.” However, the data suggests a glaring discrepancy between government claims and the reality on the ground. The APHA has received 22 complaints regarding fish welfare abuses since 2022 but has not issued any formal warnings or escalated cases to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Inspections and Accountability
Despite the apparent lack of oversight, the Scottish government insists that unannounced inspections are a statutory requirement. Yet, only two such inspections occurred between January 2023 and September 2025, both in 2024. Animal welfare campaigners argue that this minimal level of scrutiny is insufficient to ensure the well-being of farmed fish.
Abigail Penny, executive director of Animal Equality UK, expressed disbelief at the current state of oversight. “A complete overhaul of the regulatory system is essential,” she stated. “How can the cabinet secretary claim regulation is robust when inspections and sanctions are virtually nonexistent? It makes a mockery of the system.”
The actual number of fish deaths may be even higher than reported, as the figures exclude those culled, those that die during transport, and fish used as cleanerfish to eradicate lice from caged salmon. Since 2020, it is estimated that around 7 million cleanerfish have perished on Scottish farms.
Industry Response and Future Scrutiny
In response to the growing criticism, the APHA has stated that it takes all reports of suspected welfare issues seriously and assesses each case with its veterinary team. A spokesperson for Salmon Scotland contends that the farmers adhere to some of the highest health and welfare standards globally and that activists often “present a misleading picture” of farm conditions. They emphasise that over £1 billion has been invested in innovation, veterinary care, technology, and stock management to enhance welfare.
The Scottish Parliament’s rural affairs and islands committee is set to interrogate salmon farming executives on 25 February as part of an ongoing inquiry into the industry. Last January, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s slow progress in regulating the sector, indicating a need for immediate action.
Why it Matters
The alarming mortality rates of salmon in Scottish farms not only highlight potential failings in regulatory oversight but also raise broader questions about animal welfare in the aquaculture industry. As public scrutiny intensifies, the need for systemic reforms becomes increasingly urgent. The industry’s response to these issues will not only affect the welfare of the fish but also the reputation and sustainability of salmon farming in Scotland as consumers become more aware and concerned about the ethical implications of their food sources.
