PLANS to introduce Atlantic Salmon to a fishery near Moffat have been given the go ahead, despite reservations being raised.
Selcoth Fisheries Limited were recently granted permission to make a change of species on their farm from Rainbow Trout to Atlantic Salmon.
But the change has sparked concern from some members of the River Annan Salmon Fishery Board, with two members resigning in protest over the decision
Riparian owner of Dryfeholm, and keen fisherman Alex Guthe said: “I resigned from the board on Sept 16 in protest at the board’s support for the Selcoth salmon farm proposal – a proposal being put forward by the board’s chairman himself Oliver Routledge.”
Another member Anthony Steel, an angler and owner of Kirkwood, said: “Having a salmon farm situated within a salmon river is a nightmare for owners, managers and anglers. This could potentially spell disaster if there were to be escapes, viruses, parasites, chemicals, bacteria or effluents getting out into the river. And it’s almost inevitable.
“The Board was divided on how to respond. Some wanted a strong response, others less so. In the end a compromise response was agreed by majority saying fishery boards need to be consulted and there ought to be treatment of the discharge, but not mentioning an environmental impact study.”
The River Annan Salmon Fishery Board have defended their position in a statement, insisting they followed the proper processes relating to the project. They stated: “We are statutory consultees in only the planning process for fish farming, however the consenting requirements for a change in species do not require a planning application. The board therefore has no role or responsibility toward the outcome of this application as it sits under the regulatory control of other organisations.
“Mr Routledge has approached the appropriate regulatory bodies responsible for consenting this type of change in activity and has satisfied their requirements to permit the activity, namely those of the Fish Health Inspectorate who are responsible for issuing an Aquaculture Production Business authorisation, which is required to prevent the introduction of and spread of infectious diseases. The Fish Health Inspectorate have granted the amendment to their authorisation as the risk of disease spread from operating the sites, in the manner described in their application, has been assessed as acceptable.
“Should Selcoth Fisheries Limited wish to pursue any future changes/ developments to their farm they will have to follow the necessary consenting process relevant to the activity they plan to operate. The Board would only then be involved in its statutory capacity should future developments require a planning application.”
