CLASHNESSIE 2021 – SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT.

Clashnessie 2021 – Setting the record straight.  In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns were enforced in the UK, Loch Duart received two enforcement notices for their Clashnessie site due to elevated levels of sea lice. As a small company operating with limited resources, the pandemic presented them with unprecedented challenges. Social distancing requirements forced them to further reduce their already small teams, and they had to support staff members who fell ill. This significantly hampered their ability to respond to this particular site in their usual agile manner.

The decline in market demand during the pandemic also forced them to hold fish for longer periods than usual, as sales outlets became limited. Additionally, the availability of cleaner fish, such as wrasse, became scarce during this time, contributing further to the rise in lice levels. However, it is important to note that at no point was the welfare of the fish compromised. These were large, robust fish at this site, and the lice thresholds are relevant regardless of the fish size.

However, committed to honest reporting, they proactively contacted the Scottish government about the challenges they faced at this site. Loch Duart worked together as part of the process to bring sea lice levels under control. Despite the challenges at this site, it was just one of six active sites at the time, and all other sites were maintained to an excellent standard.

Loch Duart has historically maintained a strong record of fish welfare. However, critics of salmon farming and Loch Duart often cherry-pick this one event, which is simply a small blip on the radar of a long, successful 25 years of prioritising their salmon’s welfare to raise the highest quality fish possible. As this one event continues to be highlighted in reports, and as activists and some journalists fail to acknowledge it as a rare occurrence, Loch Duart feel this is particularly unfair to their company and the staff who tirelessly work hard every day, prioritising the welfare of their salmon. Loch Duart wanted to set the record straight and hope you find this film useful and informative.

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