A group of Conservative peers has backed new powers to close-down fish farms causing eco-damage‚ triggering harsh criticism from industry leaders. The Crown Estate Bill amendment passed with 220 votes supporting and 139 against (the next reading is coming up in mid-november)
Lord Forsyth of Drumlean led the charge with an amendment that would let Crown Estate cancel salmon farm licenses for eco-damage or animal welfare issues. The ex-Scottish secretary pointed out problems with sea-lice and toxic-chemicals: these issues affect wild fish populations in nearby waters
Salmon Scotland didnt hold back – they accused hundreds of Tory peers of siding with extreme eco-activists. The trade body stressed that Scottish salmon (UKs top food export worth £578M last year) follows strict rules and high-quality standards
The industry has seen ups-and-downs lately:
- Record fish deaths in 23
- Better survival rates in sept 24
- Warm seas bringing micro-jellyfish
- Issues with parasitic sea-lice
The amendment was supported by cross-bench Green and Welsh nationalist peers together with bishops and passed by a huge majority
While the bill only affects waters around England Wales and Northern Ireland‚ industry experts think it might push Scottish authorities to follow suit. Crown Estate Scotland and local government say they already have strong oversight – including environmental protection agency reviews and local authority assessments