Proposed location of Scottish Sea Farms aquaculture facility in Shetland.
Photo: Scottish Sea Farms.
Shetland Islands Council has approved four consents to Scottish Sea Farms's offshore salmon farm in Sandsound Voe – Brei Geo Inshore (1,209 tonnes), Brei Geo Offshore (2,635 tonnes), Sandsound Voe (100 tonnes) and Sandsound Bixter (1,000 tonnes).
The new farm, Billy Baa (4,091 tonnes), will be located slightly further offshore, where growing conditions are better, without worsening the environmental burden.
Regarding this update, Scottish Sea Farms Head of Sustainability and Development Anne Anderson said: "By combining four smaller consents into one location, equipped with fewer but larger pens, we're seeking to maximise water exchange and oxygen levels – two key factors supporting fish growth – in and around the farm."
In addition, Anderson mentioned the importance of focusing all in one farm: "It will also be a more efficient approach to farming this stretch of Scalloway’s waters, enabling the team to concentrate their time, skill and resources in one location, further boosting fish health, welfare and survival."
As WeAreAquaculture informed in 2023, the installation and ongoing maintenance of the farm will support jobs across the supply chain: from engineering, haulage, and diver and vessel hire to the manufacture of equipment and feed, and local travel and accommodation.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) CAR licence will allow the establishment of specific fish volumes and veterinary medicines to reduce environmental impact. If the SEPA CAR licence is granted, the farm will have its first fish available in 2026.
"Our policy has always been to secure the relevant approvals and licences first, before ordering the farm infrastructure or assigning fish. We don’t assume anything; the planning and consenting process is there for a reason," Anderson confirmed.
Furthermore, Scottish Sea Farms is planing Fish Holm, a second facility in Yell Sound. Also, under consideration by Shetland Islands Council.
This licensing and consenting process that engages with residents and businesses is also been promoted by Mowi, who will apply to new and existing farms.