Sustainable salmon farm in Scotland withdraws from RSPCA UK accreditation scheme

30/08/2024

Loch Duart, a Scottish salmon farming company known for its small-scale, low-impact approach, has announced its withdrawal from the RSPCA UK Assured accreditation program. The company, which was the first fish farm to receive the RSPCA Assured certification in 2004, said that the program no longer aligns with its core values.

A spokesperson for Loch Duart said they have always believed that their small-scale, low-impact approach, which prioritises welfare over profits, surpasses leading accreditation standards, and that in their assessment, the RSPCA Assured scheme, with its application towards mass-produced salmon, no longer aligns with Loch Duart's commitment to quality over quantity.

The company maintains a unique practice of allowing local fisheries trusts unprecedented access to its sites to independently oversee and audit fish health checks and data. Their approach to salmon farming includes several industry-leading practices, such as:

  • An antibiotic-free policy with a focus on freshwater treatments for fish health.

  • An advanced cleaner fish program and aeration systems to improve water quality.

  • A low stocking density of 98.5% water to 1.5% fish, which reduces the risk of health and welfare issues.

  • The use of feed which is 56.5% more carbon-friendly than standard farmed salmon diets.

  • A Foraged Fish Dependency Ratio (FFDR) of 0.33, indicating the use of only a third of the usual levels of wild-caught fish in their feed.

The spokesperson said Loch Duart continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable salmon farming, emphasising its commitment to environmental stewardship and the welfare of its fish.