Survival rates of farmed salmon in Scotland have reached record highs following a multimillion-pound investment in technology.
New figures show monthly survival averaged 99.1% from January to June, which represents the best start to a year since data was first voluntarily published in 2018.
This reflected continued improvements in fish health and environmental conditions, Scottish Salmon said.
The sector has invested more than £1bn in innovation across veterinary care, technology and stock management.
“These figures demonstrate our members’ commitment to fish health and welfare, and to responsible farming,” said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland. “Scottish salmon farmers uphold the highest animal welfare standards in the world, but they are always striving to do better.”
The latest results built on progress made last year when cumulative mortality, the total number of fish deaths over time, fell by more than a third in 2024. Overall survival across all farms reached 82.3%, up 10 percentage points from 72.3% the year before.
“The hard work of our farmers, supported by more than a billion pounds of investment in new technology, has been rewarded with survival rates at record highs,” said Scott.
The industry body said that exports rose by 45% to a record £844m last year, equivalent to £2.31m per day, cementing Scottish salmon as the UK’s largest food export.
“At the same time, demand for Scottish salmon is soaring at home and overseas,” said Scott. “This is thanks to its reputation for quality and sustainability, and the vital role it plays in supporting coastal communities and the wider economy.”
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