Trust comments on Loch Hourn fish farm expansion

The John Muir Trust has considered the expansion plans for MOWI’s existing fish farm on Loch Hourn and submitted comments to the Highland Council for consideration.

The Trust has engaged with the plans as a landowner with ties to the local community, and in the interests of protecting wild indigenous species.

The proposed site for expansion is within the Knoydart National Scenic Area and is surrounded by Kinlochhourn-Knoydart-Morar Wild Land Area. The John Muir Trust protects and manages wild land within this Wild Land Area at Li and Coire Dhorrcail. This is one of the wildest parts of Scotland with high conservation value for the future restoration and protection of wild salmonids.

The Trust's response points to the evidence and recommendations for reducing the harmful impacts of fish farms on wild salmonids along Scotland's west coast; questions how prudent expansion is at a time when wild salmon populations are at an all-time low; and raises particular concerns about the sensitive location and capacity of Loch Hourn's marine environment to cope with the foreseen ecological impacts of expansion.

You can read the Trust's response below.

UPDATE: In a decision notice letter dated 29 June 2022 the Highland Council refused planning permission to the proposed expansion of Loch Hourn Fish Farm.