Question reference: S5W-27712
- Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 3 March 2020
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Current status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 16 March 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the use of thermolicers on salmon farms and, in light of recent scientific evidence, including from the Director of Bioveterinary Science at the University of Liverpool, which suggests that welfare problems can arise from their operation, whether it will consider banning these devices.
Answer
The Scottish Government takes animal welfare very seriously, including that of farmed salmon. We are supporting a research project to explore the impact of the use of thermal treatments for sea lice which is being undertaken by the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre. Once we have the findings from that research, we will consider what more, if anything, should be done in relation to thermal treatments to ensure the welfare of farmed salmon.