Relaxed pesticide use for salmon farms poses threat to marine wildlife

Salmon farms can now breach previously imposed limits on the use of chemicals in a move to help them cope with staff shortages.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) announced the new rules regarding the use of emamactin, a chemical they had previously sought to ban completely because of it’s capacity to kill crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans and azamethiphos, another chemical known to harm shellfish.

It’s a move that has alarmed environmental charity Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), based on Arran, who look after Lamlash Bay which is situated next to a salmon farm that will now potentially be able to spew out toxic chemicals into the sea around it.

Russ Cheshire, chairman of COAST said: “We are extremely concerned by any easing of environmental protection even on a temporary basis. The potential for harm is enormous.

“Although the rules are supposed to be tightened up by the end of June, the consequences of overuse of these chemicals will be felt for many years: in seabed surveys in the North of Scotland, traces of these toxins were found which are still active after 13 years.”

Cheshire believes that the danger posed by the Lamlash Bay salmon farm is just a small part of a wider threat to the Firth of Clyde.

“We would also point out that, as well as the site in Lamlash Bay, there are 17 sites in the Firth of Clyde and Loch Fyne; there is the possibility that thousands of kilograms or litres of these substances will be put to use in this unique “inland sea”, with effects that will last for many years.

“We are also concerned that, despite SEPA’s stated intention to end this relaxation by June 30, there is a likelihood that the industry will again plead for special treatment and ask for indefinite postponement.

“At a time when we are all being urged to stay home and stay safe, permitting an industry which has a record of failure to make timely and accurate reports of activity sets a poor example of leadership from both SEPA and the Scottish Government.”

SEPA were keen to point out that these measures are only to be employed by those who really need them, with anybody breaching normal limits to report to SEPA. It is not a green light for people to start using as many chemicals as they like.

A spokesperson for SEPA said: “The positions are a direct response to circumstances no one wanted to see. We expect Scottish businesses to adapt responsibly so our message is clear, if you try to do the right thing in this next period, you will find a helpful and supportive agency. If you deliberately do the wrong thing, you’ll get the uncompromising regulator your behaviour deserves.”

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