Photo: Mowi Scotland

Mowi Study Shows Rapid Seabed Recovery After Salmon Farming Operations

NORWAY
Thursday, June 19, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Three-Year Post-Closure Study Confirms Marine Environment's Resilience

FORT WILLIAM, Scotland – A recent three-year environmental study conducted by Mowi Scotland has provided compelling evidence that seabeds can recover quickly following the cessation of salmon farming activities. The findings challenge common misconceptions about the aquaculture industry's environmental impact, reinforcing Mowi's commitment to responsible ocean stewardship.

Mowi, a leading salmon producer, has recently implemented a new biodiversity strategy underscoring its dedication to a healthy environment and sustainable farming practices. The company emphasizes that a thriving marine ecosystem is crucial for producing healthy salmon under optimal conditions.

Rigorous Regulations and Fallowing Practices

The aquaculture industry operates under some of the most stringent global regulations, particularly concerning environmental protection. Before any fish farm is approved and developed, extensive assessments are conducted to ensure it will not cause long-term environmental harm. Once a farm is consented, an ongoing monitoring program is in place to safeguard the marine environment.

Mowi consistently adheres to rigorous operational protocols to prevent negative impacts. For instance, after salmon are harvested, their pens are left fallow (empty) for a period. This practice, akin to crop rotation in agriculture, allows the seabed time to naturally break down organic matter. It also provides an opportunity for farmers to perform necessary repairs and upgrades to the farm infrastructure. This seemingly simple concept is fundamental to maintaining seabed health and promoting robust fish populations.

Isle of Ewe Study: A Landmark Recovery

While robust regulatory frameworks aim to limit and manage environmental effects during fish farm operations, information on post-closure seabed recovery has historically been limited. To address this knowledge gap, Mowi Scotland initiated a comprehensive study around its former Isle of Ewe fish farm on Scotland's northwest coast.

The study, undertaken with delivery partners Benthic Solutions and Applied Genomics, and supported by Salmon Scotland, aimed to assess the environmental condition and recovery trajectory of the seabed after the Loch Ewe farm's closure. The project involved monitoring seabed samples, conducting habitat mapping, and performing eDNA analysis to capture a broader biodiversity profile.

Over the three-year period, the study concluded that the seabed demonstrated a significant and rapid capacity for recovery. In 2020, 67% of samples met the criteria for "Good Ecological" status. This percentage steadily increased to 80% in 2021, 93% in 2022, and by 2023, a remarkable 100% of samples achieved "Good Ecological" status.

Reflecting on these findings, Connie Fairburn, Senior Environmental Analyst at Mowi Scotland, stated, "There are many misconceptions about the environmental impact of the aquaculture industry. However, this project provides solid evidence that seabeds can recover upon cessation of fish farming operations."

Mowi maintains its commitment to protecting the environment where it cultivates salmon and where its dedicated employees live and work. By farming within the environment's carrying capacity, the company asserts that it leaves no permanent impact on marine ecosystems.

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