Latest Inspection Reports

Here are the latest batch of inspection reports we've extracted. (05-11-2024) Click here to see the full list of reports.

Aird

Case Number: 2024-0273

DownloadSite/stock details and mortality records inspected remotely on 14/08/2024; lead by , supervised by . Treatment, sea lice and FMS records inspected remotely on 16/08/2024; lead by , supervised by . Movement, transport, biosecurity, health surveillance records inspected on 20/08/24; lead by , supervised by .
For increased mortalities, in recent weeks, MV Bakkanes which has an ensiler has been used but this has now stopped as coping with normal process of Billy Bowie skips onshore.
Salmon transferred in Jan, Feb and Mar 2024 from Applecross Smolt Unit (FS0500), Kinlochmoidart (FS0146) and Loch Lochy
(FS0150); first input was 29/01 and last input 10/03. After transfer to site an increase in mortality was observed as a results of furunculosis in the Applecross stock (risk assessment seen for movement of stock). Mortality then settled down before a period of elevated mortality observed initially in pens 4 and 5; mortality was attributed to Enteric Redmouth (ERM) bacterial disease. Mortality in week 33 remained elevated with site staff observing red eyes and exothalmaia. AGD levels now beginning to rise on site, freshwater (FW) treatment scheduled for 22/08/2024 - pens 3, 4, 5 and 14 only initially.
Feed response across the site is still good even with plankton in the loch disturbing the routine feeding schedule. Increased mortality removal has been implemented onsite (3 times daily) and the in house biologist visits have been increased to every week. During site inspection, site biologist was also present.
FW treatment occurred in week 23 and 29 (3 hour flush); SLICE treatment ended 18/07/2024.
Wrasse origin - wild (Tobermory, Mull) and farmed (Otter Ferry Seafish Ltd, FB0012).
A farm management agreement between operators within Loch Torridon (M17) is currently being written and will supersede the current statements inspected on 16/08/2024. [Original PDF]

Ardessie A

Case Number: 2024-0069

DownloadSite originally received an input of fish from Corry Farm in May/June 22 after a fallow period, but these fish have been harvested. Fish left on site originally came through Lochailort hatchery, Loch Arkaig before coming onto site in Dec 22 from
Loch Torridon for their 2nd sea winter. The site manager reported that they have been performing well since input. Site experienced elevated mortality over the winter months, attributed to maturation.
Fish will be graded beginning of April to separate the population into harvest fish and broodstock. Production fish are scheduled to be harvested in the summer, when the selected broodstock will be moved to a FW site (potentially Elphin or
Inverpolly, TBC (Update 29/08/24: application to stock broodstock at Inverpolly was received 08/07/24)) later in the year. The site will have a fallow period before fish on neighbouring Ardessie B will be split between the two sites and ongrown. Neither of the FW hatchery sites are currently authorised to hold broodstock. This was discussed with the site manager and the business correspondent is aware that an authorisation amendment application will need to be submitted prior to any movements occurring.
Company biologist generally visits the site each month. Fish were positive for CMS, HSMI and Yersinia in Feb 24, but these are not causing elevated mortalities.
Site (CoGP MA 10d) was already stocked with fish from Corry Farm (MA 10b) when fish from Loch Torridon (MA 11a) were received. Neighbouring site, Ardessie B, also received an input of fish from Loch Duich (MA 14a). As a result, the MA has been stocked with multi yearclass fish from more than one MA. This should only occur for broodstock or harvesting purposes and the broodstock farm should be at least 5km or one tidal excursion (whichever is greatest) from another farm, harvesting station or processing plant. Ardessie A is situated within one tidal excursion and within 5km of Ardessie B. An authorisation amendment application was received on 16/10/23 and this is being dealt with separately.
Wrasse mortality since input: 66%
Lumpfish mortality since input: 86%
Mortality events over reporting threshold according to records available on site:
Wk50 2023: 1.26%, Wk49: 1.59%, Wk48: 1.03%, Wk47: 1.65%, Wk46: 1.95%, Wk45: 4.31%, Wk44: 2.17%, Wk43: 3.88%,
Wk41: 1.22%, Wk38: 1.06%, Wk37: 1.56%, Wk36: 1.22%, Wk32: 1.06%, Wk25: 1.51%, Wk1: 1.41%
Wk52 2022: 1.57%, Wk40: 2.43%, Wk39: 3.09%, Wk36: 1.2%, Wk34: 3.98%, Wk33: 2.64%, Wk32: 2.8%
Wk45 2021: 4.28%, Wk43: 3%, Wk42: 1.42%, Wk40: 1.51%, Wk39: 1.3%
Fish on site appeared to be in good physical health upon inspection. Good body condition and responsive to feed.
Remote inspection completed on 21/03/24. Site visited on 27/03/24. [Original PDF]

Ardessie B

Case Number: 2024-0070

DownloadFish came on from Loch Duich (FMA 14a) in Dec 23. Fish were positive for PRV-1, Moritella and Piscirickettsia at time of transfer but were not showing clinical signs. Site was fallow at time of transfer, however neighbouring site, Ardessie A, was already stocked with a different yearclass of fish that came on from a different CoGP MA. SW to SW transfer RA available for inspection.
Fish have been performing well since input. Site has not done any medicinal treatments with the exception of anaesthetic use for sea lice counts. Last FW treatment was completed in August 2023.
Fish on site will be graded later in the year where some will be selected as potential broodstock and split down into Ardessie A which will be fallow, while the remaining fish will be deadhaul harvested.
Cleanerfish mortality since input: 17%
Mortality events over reporting threshold:
Wk33 2023: 1.44%
Wk40 2022: 2.43%, Wk39: 3.71%, Wk37: 2.25%, Wk32: 1.37%
Wk41 2021: 12.47%, Wk40: 2.81%, Wk39: 14.01%, Wk38: 4.49%, Wk37: 1.19%
Fish on site appeared in good physical health on inspection and were responsive to feed.
Remote inspection completed on 21/03/24. Site visited on 27/03/24. [Original PDF]

Chalmers Hope

Case Number: 2024-0252

DownloadSite fallow since 25/06/2024. Disinfection completed 30/07/2024.
Most equipment still out of the water.
Cages were lifted out of the water by crane, then scraped with garden hoe and power washed to remove all organic material then disinfected with Virkon Aquatic. Nets currently at Morenot Aquaculture (Shetland) for cleaning and disinfection (already completed, paperwork available). Cages inspected as clean.
All feed pipes have been removed and will be replaced.
All boats and feed barge have been power washed and disinfected.
Cameras and feed spinners removed, cleaned and disinfected.
Mooring cans cleaned and disinfected.
Disinfection records inspected as satisfactory.
Confirmed Designation Notice for BKD (CDN2023001) to be revoked. [Original PDF]

East Moclett

Case Number: 2024-0309

DownloadNew site stocked for the first time in week 22 2024. Site authorised for 6 cages but currently only 3 are in the water. The remaining 3 pens will be installed later in the year.
Site to be used as grower site for nearby Cooke nursery sites. Fish were treated with freshwater as they were being transferred (5 hour treatment). Risk assessment available for seawater movement.
Site currently harvesting.
Mortality is uplifted by Foover and taken in mort bins to pier on Westray.
The site is not remote fed, due to its offshore location. Feed blower on work boats conduct the feeding instead.
Fish were sitting deep in the water but those that were observed appeared in good physical health and were active in the cages. No dead fish or moribunds observed.
Fish sampled for the VMD had good feeding response and appeared healthy both internally and externally.
10 fish were also removed to inspect the site's sea lice counting procedures. Low levels of sea lice observed, predominantly caligus. [Original PDF]

Gob na Hoe

Case Number: 2024-0205

DownloadWrasse mortality last four weeks: 53 (1.97%).
Sal mortalities last four weeks: wk 26 4470 (1.53%) mainly post treatment, wk 25 1510 (0.51%) mainly post treatment, wk 24
342 (0.11%), wk 23 262 (0.09%).
Salmosan treatment administered during transfer onto site with discharge occurring at Leinish.
Only sea lice medicine available is hydrogen peroxide. FW and wrasse are the main sea lice treatments but mechanical treatments could be administered if required.
On inspection of the site a number of lethargic fish were observed with physical damage, three were removed for further examination but no gross pathology was noted. There was an issue with a FW treatment the week before which resulted in some abrasion. Site staff have been removing moribunds on a daily basis. The general population appeared in good general health and were shoaling and feeding well.
Site was stocked with a sw to sw transfer from two separate management areas (Stock from Loch A Chairn Bhain (FS0621)
(known by the company as Reintrad) and Loch Maddy (FS0853). Risk assessment for these movements was available however these types of movement are not in compliance with the CoGP.
Records were inspected remotely on the 27th, 28th June and also the 1st and 2nd July. Records were also inspected on the day of inspection.
Issues raised: information was provided on the 2/9/2024 to clear the issues raised. [Original PDF]

Invasion Bay

Case Number: 2024-0041

DownloadStock of salmon: Fanad from Loch Harport. Arrived on site with AGD (Risk assessments in place)
Mortalities are ensiled on site and taken away by billy bowie.
Cleanerfish mortality 2024:
Lumpfish- Wk6, 2.28%, 1307;Wk5,0.56%,510;Wk4,3.48%,1598;1.39%,649
Wrasse- Wk6, 4.42%,215;Wk5, 0.17%, 61;Wk4, 0.83%, 300; Wk3, 0.48%, 176
Elevated mortality: WRS, 2023 Wk38, 5.57%, 1800(fin damage); Wk41, 2.64%, 1037 (fin damage). LUM, 2024 Wk51, 2.75%,
1374 (fin damage and handling). 2023 Wk22, 5.49%, 1140 (fin damage and handling).
Treatments 2024:
Wk2, Wk4, Wk6 - thermolicer
Treatments 2023:
Florocol :Wk45 and Wk46 - only pens 6 & 8 (SRS, rickettsia), split into two pens to isolate the pen that was initally affacted 16.
Alphamax - wk48, only pen 13, caligus increased in one pen, treatment went well.
Cleanerfish origin: lumpfish - ocean matters wrasse- scotland wild caught. No imports of wrasse from Ireland since 2021.
Health manager/vet visits sites every month. Last visit in jan 2024.
Environets; net changes happen every 14 days. The figures of cleanerfish have been readjusted 30/01/2024. During treatment,original figures of cleanerfish were not seen therefore readjusted. Recommendations on noting readjustments should be noted.
Site has not had any wrasse movements from Ireland since last inspection, however possibility that such imports may occur in next production means the surveillance frequency remains high.
Paperwork inspected remotely on 14/02/2024. During site inspection, moribund fish were observed, some with large lesions.
Two fish were able to be caught and removed for diagnostic sampling. In addition, one fish was removed for VMD sampling; it was observed to be healthy and in good condition.
Date records received and issues resolved on 12/09/2024. [Original PDF]

Jubilee Loch Shin

Case Number: 2024-0206

DownloadSite inspection conducted to assess the containment measures during the vaccination process.
The pen is initially crowded by lifting two loops and then a float line is used to crowd fish towards an uplift pipe nozzle connected to a mobile vacuum snail pump. The pipe is a flexible polypropylene clear 6 inch pipe with connectors double clamped by standard connectors (spanner tightened).
The vaccination machine is situated within a container secured to a large raft moored alongside the pens. Fish are pumped from the pen to the holding tank where they are de-watered before being transferred into the anaesthetic bath.
After dosing, the fish are then transferred onto the vaccination machine (Inoca semiautomatic) line where they are hand fed onto a belt and vaccinated and transferred to the exit pipework and flushed down through a quatro counter box, this allows the fish to be spot checked for vaccination quality and also counted before being returned to a pen via rigid 6 inch pipework.
Connections on the rigid pipework are held together with small ratchet straps fed through small slots and is supported by metal framework. Prior to work commencing the setup is inspected by the site engineer to ensure it is secure and appropriate.
Once the pen is empty the pipework continues to be flushed for several minutes to ensure no fish remain within the uplift pipe before being transferred to the next pen.
Nets on site are all dynema and are serviced by Highland Aquateam for washing, repairing and strength testing prior to use on the site (records maintained). Daily checks of nets above the waterline is conducted and prior to restocking an empty pen the net is lifted out of the water and visually inspected.
All stages of the process appeared to be secure with no containment issues noted.
The vaccination machine setup SOP was available for inspection, the setup observed was in accordance with the SOP. [Original PDF]

Loch Spelve (B)

Case Number: 2024-0275

DownloadSite has been fallow since 08/09/2022. First input of fish were transferred from pen 10 at Tanera (B) on 02/06/2024 (fanad stock). Next input of fish onto site will be from Fishnish B- potential broodstock. These fish will have a different yearclass from current stock. On the day of the site inspection, only 1 pen was stocked. New net was being installed on pen 2. There are currently no plans to stock pen 3.
WRS planning to arrive on site; 01/08/2024 Wild caught origin. Procedures relating to movements of wrasse onto site were inspected and template transfer records were inspected; no wrasse had moved onto when site was inspected.
Fish were checked prior to the transfer from Tanera (B); no issues identified at the time, fish were observed to be healthy.
Site routinely sample every pen; PCR swabs. Health team visit minium every 6 months. Staff trained in health.
Mortality and waste disposal: plans are to move the incinerator onto the barge and therefore the incinerator is not operational.
Currently, mortalities are stored in sealed bins and transported via pick up to Fishnish shorebase and then placed into skips.
Skips are taken away from Fishnish shorebase by Billy Bowie. Records relating to movement of mortality waste to Fishnish shorebase not recorded. Issue raised.
Mortality levels had exceeded the reporting criteria since the last inspection. Mortality events in 2021 and 2022 had been reported to the Fish Health Inspectorate as required.
Aeration currently being fitted on site.
Biological risk assessment inspected for movements from Tanera to Spelve. This risk assessment has been updated to assess the SW-SW movement to a single site from different a FMA/DMA. [Original PDF]

Sallachy Site

Case Number: 2024-0185

DownloadSite inspection undertaken to observe vaccination procedures of stock on site, following reports of feral farmed fish being caught in Loch Shin.
Third party, Highland Aqua, are contracted for vaccinations at the site. Vaccination with Microject6 and PD1. Historic stocks on site were vaccinated by hand, however this is the first stock to be machine vaccinated. Training and cleaning and disinfection certificates were inspected and approved prior to access to the site. Divers were on site the week of the handling event to inspect nets for any damage and to complete repair work where required. Dive reports dated 1/7/24 stated that no holes were observed in any of the nets. Vaccination machine was set up in a shipping container that is lifted from the back of a lorry and placed on a raft before being towed out to the site and tethered to the cages.
Nets are lifted one cage at a time to crowd the fish. An inlet pipe is positioned in the crowd and fish are pumped through the pipe and into an anaesthetic bath prior to moving over a de-waterer and into a large steel tray where 4 members of staff (2 at each side) manually position the fish into wells within a conveyor that passes them through the vaccination machine for injection. Following vaccination, the fish are fed into a discharge pipe that transfers them back into the same cage, albeit within the other half which hasnt been crowded and which is separated by the net being raised.
The pipes going into and out of the cage were tied with at least one, but normally two ropes to secure it to the cage. The inlet pipe was also wrapped in netting and was also placed ontop of a catch net to ensure contingency should the pipe fail or come loose. This is in accordance with the sites vaccination SOP. However, there were no catch nets or net tubing used around and under the discharge pipes, including the section located between the vaccination raft, the walkway and the cage. This was raised as a potential weakness with the site manager and the use of a catch net and net tubing was recommended. The SOP was missing information in relation to chapter 3, points 3.66 and 3.76 in the CoGP and should be updated to include these details where a contractor is engaged.
The vaccination machine itself was located inside a shipping container so if any breaches in containment were to occur, the fish would spill onto the deck but would be unlikely to enter the loch due to the distance and number of physical barriers.
However, improvements could be made by bunding the floor of the container to ensure that any breaches would be contained.
Fish were pumped up and into the machine, through the machine and discharged again within a short time. Mortalities at the site were below 200 fish per week and no movements on or off the site had been completed since the last inspection on
Evidence that the recommendations in relation to the case were made for implementation was submitted by 14/10/24. [Original PDF]

Case Number: 2024-0255

DownloadSite inspection undertaken to observe procedures for transfer of stock onto site, following reports of feral farmed fish being caught in Loch Shin.
Farm containment and escape response procedure, fish intake SOP, smolt transfer SOP, Vaki service report, Dive inspection of nets in place to receive fry intake and net certificates of inspection were all available for inspection.
Nets were serviced on 28/03/24 and 23/05/24 with only minor repairs carried out. Dive report from 1/07/24 details that no holes were observed in any of the nets in advance of the intakes on 2nd, 4th and 6th July. The Vaki counter was serviced in
February 24 when a small fault with the visibility was noted, causing issues with calibration. It was suggested that the mirror should be cleaned regularly.
298, 928 fish were input last crop over 3 inputs (108,593, 110,151 and 80,184) on the 26th, 27th and 28th October 2023 at
47g. Fish are only held on this site for a couple of months before moving off to a SW site for ongrowing. A total of 299,498
(count from wellboat at discharge) fish from last crop were moved off to Vestness (FS1210). However, the Vaki count of fish being loaded onto the lorry was 299,812, a discrepancy of 314 fish between being loaded onto the lorry at site, and being discharged at Vestness. This was attributed to counter inaccuracies.
Total mortality for the site was 3,303 (1.1% total of input). A total discrepancy for fish on and fish off the site was 3,873 (1.3% of the wellboat count). This discrepancy has been attributed to variations in counter accuracies and is deemed acceptable.
Stocking procedure: Cages are not towed and remain in place during stocking. Pipes run from the cages to the shorebase and are visually checked at the cage side and at the shorebase but the floating lines are not inspected at regular intervals. A suggestion for improvement would be to incorporate regular visual inspections of the floating transfer pipes in order to detect any faults or failures and that these be recorded, along with any repair work that is undertaken.
Lorries reverse into shoreabse and the transfer pipe is connected to the outlet of each tank on the lorry in turn. The pipes are not secured to the outlet on the tank, but is placed over the outlet and secured by a rope. Failure of this rope would result in the pipe being forced away from the lorry, resulting in a failure in containment. A suggestion for improvement was made to include the addition of a catch net under the outlet so that if a failure was to occur, any fish that are spilled, would be captured and could be returned to the tank. The valve for each tank is opened and fish are gravity fed into the cages. The lorry driver supervises the discharge from above the tank and confirms when all the fish have been discharged. The pipe is then flushed with water to ensure no fish remain in the transfer pipe, before it is disconnected and moved onto the next tank.
The pipe that discharges into the cage, is secured with a single rope to the cage structure and is placed across the lowered side net and submerged in the water within the cage. Using radios, site staff located at cage side confirm with staff at the shorebase when the discharge pipe is in position and secure before fish are discharged into the cage. Cage side staff supervise the discharge of the fish into the cage and notify shorebase staff when no more fish are coming through and to begin flushing the pipe to ensure any fish remaining in the transfer pipe are flushed out and into the cage before the pipe is
The transfer pipe is made up of several sections of pipe which are attached by secure locks and supported by ratchet straps to ensure contingency if the locks were to fail.
Evidence that the recommendations in relation to the case were made for implementation was submitted by 06/09/24. [Original PDF]

Soay

Case Number: 2024-0281

DownloadSite inspected in overcast conditions and a calm sea state, visibility of the stocks was good. The site was inspected following reports of prolonged increased mortality. The site was previously inspected on 26/03/2024 and diagnostic samples were taken, case 2024-0096.
Upon inspection of the stocks, fish were observed to be residing quite deep within the pens. The majority of the population were observed shoaling well. A small population of fish in each pen were slightly lethargic. 2 moribunds, with one fish displaying abnormal swimming behaviour was removed from pen 7 for diagnostic sampling. 3 further moribunds were observed in pens 3 and 14 and were removed for sampling.
Salmon mortalities at Soay have been persistently elevated throughout the duration of 2024. For May June and July mortality has regularly been above 1% weekly. Since the date of last inspection, mortality peaked at 4.74% w/b03/06/24 and 3.58% wb
24/06/2024. In these weeks mortality was mainly attributed to treatment losses (post thermolicer treatment), Gill damage and
HSMI.
Cleanerfish mortality within last 4 weeks : Ballan Wrasse - 44, 1.15%. Lumpfish - 867, 4.36%.
Recent mortality within the last 4 weeks has been mainly attributed to HSMI and treatment losses.
Lice levels on site appeared low upon inspection of the stocks. [Original PDF]