Scallop Fishers in Shetland Oppose UK’s Largest Salmon Farm
Local scallop fishers in the Shetland Islands are fiercely opposing plans for what would become the United Kingdom’s largest salmon farm, after approval was granted for the development at Fish Holm off Shetland’s east coast. The project, led by Scottish Sea Farms (SSF) and backed by Norwegian investors, has been met with anger from fishers, environmentalists and some politicians who say it threatens marine ecosystems and traditional fishing livelihoods.
About 30 scallop vessels work the waters near Fish Holm, which fishers describe as some of the region’s most productive scallop beds. Critics argue that the new salmon pens — 12 cages capable of holding up to 6,000 tonnes of salmon — could damage vital nursery areas for shellfish and contribute to ongoing problems with sea lice, waste and fish mortality already associated with salmon farming.
Sydney Johnson, a scallop fisher, called the approval “a betrayal at the highest level,” asserting that the economic value of local scallop grounds has been underestimated. SSF maintains that the larger, deeper-water pens will reduce environmental impact and improve fish health.
The controversy reflects a broader debate in Scotland about the environmental cost of aquaculture and the future of marine industries that balance economic benefits with ecological and community concerns.
