Scottish salmon survival at record high. Survival rates of farmed salmon in Scotland have reached record highs, reflecting sustained improvements in fish health and farm management.
New figures show survival reached 99.1 per cent in March, the best performance for that month since reporting began in 2018. This marks an improvement on the previous record in March 2025 when survival stood at 98.98 per cent, and continues recent gains.
Survival across the first quarter of the year also reached a record high, averaging 99.03 per cent between January and March, the strongest start to a year. The record start to 2026 follows a strong 2025, when monthly survival averaged around 98.3 per cent across the year. Since 2018, salmon farmers have invested more than £1 billion in innovation across veterinary care, technology, and stock management, helping to improve survival rates and strengthen resilience.
Higher survival rates mean more high-protein, low-carbon meals are reaching consumers, boosting food security and fuelling economic growth through rising demand at home and abroad. Scottish salmon is the UK’s top food export and remains the country’s most popular fish, with international sales reaching £828 million in 2025 and domestic sales worth £1.5 billion.
The sector contributes almost £1 billion to the economy each year and supports 11,000 jobs across Scotland, with many in rural and coastal communities.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said:
“These figures are a testament to our members’ hard work and commitment to fish health and welfare, and to responsible farming. Scottish salmon farmers uphold the highest animal welfare standards in the world, but they are always striving to do better. Record survival rates are encouraging and reflect the dedication of farmers across Scotland’s coastal communities. They also show the impact of sustained investment in fish health, technology, and farm management. This progress helps ensure Scottish salmon remains one of the country’s great food success stories. Higher survival means more nutritious, low-carbon food reaching consumers at home and overseas, supporting jobs, communities, and economic growth.”
Image: Salmon Scotland