Bullying claim after salmon farms audit stalls

THE Scottish Government has been accused of backtracking on plans to release details of salmon farm inspections after "bullying tactics" from the industry.

In March, Marine Scotland, which is responsible for the management of Scotland's seas, said it would be publishing details online of certain salmon farm inspections relating to sea lice infestation and escapes.

However, according to the Salmon and Trout Association (S&TA), which represents wild fish interests, the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO) threatened to take legal action if any fish farm businesses was "compromised" as a consequence of data being released.

Guy Linley-Adams, the lawyer heading a S&TA campaign, said the threat by the SSPO to claim damages was "unprecedented".

"On the one hand it shows just how confident the salmon growers are of their position in Scotland with respect to central government. On the other, it is a clear indication of how impotent the authorities are in the face of the salmon farmers' bullying tactics."

A Government spokeswoman said Fish Health Inspectorate sea lice audits were halted after an inaccuracy as found.