Salmon article lacked balance

Sir, I was appalled to read Joanna Blythman’s column (‘Second opinion’, 5 November) as her remarks about Scottish salmon farming are untrue.

Contrary to her assertions, the distribution of wild salmon catches between the salmon farming area on the west coast and other areas has remained unchanged since the 1950s. Total numbers of wild salmon throughout Scotland have declined since the 1960s, but there is no difference between the pattern of decline in salmon farming areas and elsewhere.

Scottish government scientists have also shown that the survival of salmon migrating from the North Esk River on the east coast have reduced from approximately 40% in 1964-1968 to 9% in 2000-2002.

The experience in Scotland is in line with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, which has reported a near-identical declining pattern across the world.

Ms Blythman’s allegations regarding environmental impact and lack of regulation are nonsense. Moreover, the refusal to acknowledge the health benefits from salmon is beyond comprehension.

Scott Landsburgh, chief executive, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation