Latest Inspection Reports

Here are the latest batch of inspection reports we’ve extracted. Click here to see the full list of reports.

An Camus

Case Number: 2024-0154

DownloadStock transferred onto site from Kingairloch (Loch Ness, Aquagen ova) in January and March 2024. Site was fallow for 6 months prior to transfer. Delayed input due to plankton in the area in October 2023, risk assessment completed for transfer between management areas. Salmon split into Marulaig Bay in May.
Lumpfish on site from Ocean Matters. Received first batch of locally wild caught ballan wrasse on 31 May (input into pen 7 with large grade as no lumpfish in this pen). Expect to input more wrasse to increase percentage stocked to ~2%.
Strategic treatment of fish with SLICE in April 2024. Freshwater treatment in May 2024 due to poor gill health.
Main cause of salmon mortalities is poor gill health and poor performers. Main mortality cause in lumpfish is Tenacibaculum
(three cages of lumpfish treated with florfenicol post delivery). Mortalities are removed daily using Foover and sent to
Whiteshore Cockles for disposal.
Two weekly mortality events above threshold not reported for previous cycle. In addition, the percentage for one weekly mortality event (wk 26 in 2023) was recorded incorrectly in the mortality event spreadsheet (reported correctly by company at the time). Corrected to 1.41%.
Fish feeding well, but had been on starve for 2 days due to presence of plankton. Approximately 1-3 floating dead fish seen in pens 1-6. Two moribunds removed from pen 1 plus two feeding fish from pen 1 for VMD, diagnostic samples taken from all fish. [Original PDF]

Applecross Smolt Unit

Case Number: 2024-0177

DownloadTimeline of mortality events:
A review of the biosecurity on site was undertaken prior to the transfer of fish into the smolt unit, where the farm was zoned off and additional biosluices were put in place to minimize horizontal contamination.
Fish were vaccinated into the smolt unit which ended on 11/05/2024. Pre-transfers tests showed that positive results for furunculosis were reported on 14/05/2024 in S04 (VHWP inspected on 20/06/2024 which showed timeline of testing and mitigation measures noted). Feeding rates had reduced following vaccination (15/05/2024) and it was suspected that treatment may be required. Mortality began to significantly increase on 16/05/2024. Aquatet (oxytetracycline) was administered on 15/05/2024 to 24/05/2024. As a result, mortality and moribund removal was increased to 24hr shift. Extra staff has also been brought in to support the mortality and moribund removal. A second rise in mortalities was noted on 01/06/2024, with a second round of Aquatet administered on 04/06/2024. Due to stock shortages Florocol was only admistered on 12/06/2024 (10 day treatment; end on 21/06/2024).
Health team inspected the fish on 04/06/2024 and subsequently on 10/06/2024, where latterly many moribunds were observed, with a significant majority population seen to be healthy and feeding well. Third party health report from the
11/06/2024 (bacteriology) confirmed sensitivity results, which highlighted that aquatet was partially effective but fully sensitive to Florocol.
Currently, there is an 8 week window between next crop in the smolt unit; plans are to clean and disinfect for two weeks and the reboot the biofilter for 6 weeks.
Business is currently reviewing procedures and planning future mitigation. Additional immunity is being considered for future populations but require further research and work with additional vaccines. There is also a focus on biosecurity, where procedures involve a cleaning protocol between populations, swab for pathogens and if there is evidence of specific pathogen, killing of the biofilter will occur. The biofilter will be cleaned with caustic soda, which will be added in circulation, followed by
AquaDes (periacetic acid). To ensure removal of gross bioflims, pressure washing will be conducted. Also, business used an
ATP swabs, which will confirm if any living material still present in the biofilter.
Peak mortality noted for the 1st cluster of experience mortality on 19/05/2024 with ~4.50%, specifically in tank 1 and 5. The second cluster of mortality had a peak rate of ~3.50%, where tank 2 and 6 saw the majority of the mortality.
Treatment Withdrawal: Aquatet ( remaining 774 degree days as of 20/07/2024); Florocol (150degree days; prescription seen);
SLICE (treatment began 17/06/2024; withdrawal period 200 degree days)
Site thermometer used due to biosecurity, thermometers are regularly checked against a mercury thermometer.
Site and paperwork inspection conducted 20/06/2024. During site inspection, fish in smolt unit observed to be swimming well and actively feeding. Very few moribund or lethargic fish observed in the tanks. Mortalities that were observed were found to have haemorrhaging on bellies and some exophthalmia. Some fish were observed to be swimming well but had evidence of large healed lesions. 5 fish lethargic and moribund fish were removed for diagnostic sampling. [Original PDF]

Ardcastle

Case Number: 2024-0183

DownloadMORTALITIES
WRASSE - overall low mortalities. Most mortalities attributed to black losses during 2022 wk36 6875 (7.9%) & 2023 wk5 1200
(84.15%).
LUM - overall low mortalities. Most mortalities attributed to black losses during 2022 wk33 4473 (17.87%), wk34 2399
(11.74%), wk35 1711 (9.54%), wk36 13356 (83.3%) & 2023 wk5 2200 (85.11%).
SAL - elevated mortalities during 2022 wks 27 to 37 (mort count for period- 83310) mainly attributed to Pancreas disease.
SAL - input of fish in oct 2022. elevated mortalities wk 50 2271 (1.17%) - diagnosis pending/ AGD/ transfer/ treatment, wk51
2070 (1.01%) - diagnosis pending/ AGD/ transfer/ grilsing, wk52 2517 (1.24%) - diagnosis pending.
- 2023 elevated mortalities wk1 4064 (2.03%) - diagnosis pending/ treatment/ grilsing, wk2 2188 (1.11%) - diagnosis pending/ grilsing, wk4 2444 (1.41%) - Anaemia/ grilsing/ treatment, wk6 2901 (1.71%) - AGD/ anaemia/ treatment, wk10 1874
(1.14%) - CMS/ Gills
SLICE treatments had been conducted 11/04/2024. Recently conducted routine FW treatments for AGD 23/05/2024.
Site experienced early algae blooms in April 2024.
Visibility into the cages was poor. Fish were responding to feed well. There was low number of runts and some deformities.
Three fish were observed to have physical damage but were healing well.
Inspection, case paperwork and VMD sampling conducted by supervised by . SLA inspection conducted by , shadowed by . [Original PDF]

Druimyeon Bay

Case Number: 2024-0181

DownloadSAL MORTALITY
Peaks in mortality - 2022 wks45 to 49 (mort count for period- 142,565) mainly attributed to Pancreas disease and environmental conditions (water quality) reported to FHI during mortality event.
Peaks in mortality - 2023 wks11 to 30 (mort count for period- 71,447) attributed mainly Pancreas disease and environmental conditions (water quality) reported to FHI during mortality event. FW treatments were administered during this period, treatments attributed to some of the mortalities.
USB MORTALITY
Records checked between 09/11/2022 to 10/06/2024 no peaks in wrasse mortality. However, 30,705 black losses was recorded for Ballan wrasse during this period.
There was 773 black losses recorded for mixed wrasse during this period.
Conducted routine FW/ FLS treatments in May 2024.
Site have noted slight increases in salmon mortalities. Suspected gill issues - gills have been scoring high with PGD. Expected to conduct FW/ FLS treatment at the weekend.
Site have observed recent increases in jellyfish numbers.
During the inspection it was observed some lethargic fish across the site, they were observed hanging to the outer edges of the cages. Fish were observed to be nosing into the tide/ current. Potentially gill related issues. 4 fish were removed for diagnostic sampling.
Inspection and case paperwork conducted by supervised by . Diagnostic sampling - Fish 1 & 4 sampled by , Fish
2 & 3 sampled by . [Original PDF]

East Tarbert Bay

Case Number: 2024-0182

DownloadDuring previous cycle site had black losses of wrasse at harvest (wk 11 2023, mort count - 12,000)
Before site became fallow the site had experienced elevated mortalities that were mainly contributed to Pancreas disease.
Inspection was conducted by supervised by [Original PDF]

Grey Horse Channel Outer

Case Number: 2024-0153

DownloadMain salmon mortality causes are seal predation (particularly pens 50 & 51) and poor performers. Looking at adding extra measures to prevent seal predation. Main cause of lumpfish mortalities is Tenacibaculum.
Salmon on site are from Groatay and Grey Horse Channel, lumpfish are from Ocean Matters. Site currently has 8 pens
(permission for 12), but will be adding another 2 to thin out stock and will also transfer some fish to Grey Horse Channel.
Harvested some salmon in May.
Freshwater treatments in March and April.
Site known as Greanem within company.
No moribund fish observed, fish deep in water. Two fish removed for VMD sampling appeared healthy. [Original PDF]

Groatay

Case Number: 2024-0155

DownloadOrganic production at site.
Main causes of salmon mortalities on site at the moment are poor performers and seal predation. Mortalities due to AGD have reduced significantly since late 2023/early 2024. Main cause of mortality in lumpfish is Tenacibaculum.
Freshwater treatments (4 hour) throughout January to April on specific pens as treatment for AGD. Plan precautionary freshwater treatment for AGD in June. Hydrogen peroxide treatment on 2 pens in December. Site also stocked with lumpfish from Ocean Matters and wild caught wrasse.
Monitor for plankton and jellyfish, but have stayed below trigger levels for placing fish on starve. Small jellyfish (<1cm diameter) seen in and around pens during inspection.
Fish split down to Grey Horse Channel and Grey Horse Channel Outer during this cycle.
A few poor performers seen in pens with small grade and a couple of lethargic salmon were caught and removed. One had an extremely distended abdomen and the other several small lesions along abdomen. One feeding, healthy fish also removed for
VMD sample. All three included in diagnostic sample. [Original PDF]

Hellisay

Case Number: 2024-0186

DownloadFish came on from Loch Lochy in April 24 and have been vaccinated against Furunculosis and IPN. A mix of Fannads and stofinfisker stock. Large variation in weight at input but both stocks have been reported to be performing well since input with good feed intake and good growth. Site currently only stocks for 6 months before fish are moved off for ongrowing at other sea sites. No harvests are completed from Hellisay. Stock scheduled to be moved off to Loch Tarbert and Groatay in September for ongrowing to harvest, with the site being fallowed by October 24.
Mortalities above threshold since last inspection:
11/10/2021 - wk41 - 1.39% - 8,950 - Gill Diseases and PD
29/11/2021 - wk48 - 1.09%- 1,082 - CMS
05/09/2022 - wk36 - 2.35% - 11,352 - CMS
12/09/2022 - wk37 - 1.2% - 5,666 - CMS
19/09/2022 - wk38 - 6.38% - 29,680 - Gill infections / Jellyfish.
26/09/2022 - wk39 - 7.91% - 27,065 - Gill infections / Jellyfish
03/10/2022 - wk40 - 11.84% - 29,280 - Gill infections / Jellyfish
10/10/2022 - wk41 - 1.65% - 2,468 - Gill infections / Jellyfish
New cohort of fish:
21/08/2023 - wk34 - 3.12% - 26,740 - AGD
02/10/2023 - wk40 - 2.6% - 20,840 - AGD
09/10/2023 - wk41 - 30.53% - 197,610 - AGD / Low oxygen
16/10/2023 - wk42 - 21.1% - 59,540 - AGD / Low oxygen
30/10/2023 - wk44 - 100% - 80,145 - AGD / Environmental - whole pen of fish lost due to low oxygen and bad weather combined with compromised gills. Only cage left stocked on site before fallow.
All mortality events were reported as required, however there were some discrepancies between site records and FHI records.
These were a result of transfer losses and delays in final counts being received from the wellboat. Retrospective updates have been submitted and FHI records updated as required. NFA.
Health challenges last 2 crops were mainly AGD, exacerbated by environmental insults (Muggaeia atlantica from July followed by Apolemia uvaria in September). Fish will be gill swabbed every week and a FW treatments has been scheduled for July in anticipation of AGD developing on site.
SLICE treatment completed on 13th June 24. A 2nd SLICE treatment is planned for July.
Only site in DMA and CoGP MA.
Fish on site appeared in good physical health at the time of inspection and were active in the cages. One deformed and one moribund were observed in Cage 2 and were removed at the time for examination. No clinical signs observed so no diagnostic samples taken on this occasion. Fish removed for VMD were in good physical health and appeared clinically healthy externally and internally upon examination.
Sealice counts were observed on 2/3 cages. 20 fish per pen were removed for sampling. No leps were observed on any of the fish and 2 caligus were noted on the last fish from cage 1. [Original PDF]

Jubilee Loch Shin

Case Number: 2024-0137

DownloadSite inspection undertaken to observe procedures for transfer of stock onto site, following reports of feral farmed fish being caught in Loch Shin.
A lorry consisting of 4 tanks arrived on site where each tank was subsequently unloaded to a tank of equal size that is secured onto a transfer barge holding 2 tanks. The barge is then towed out to the site where the fish are then pumped into the pens. All pipes are securely fastened and manned at both ends with water and oxygen levels constantly being monitored. A sample of net to be used on site is taken to source site prior to transfer to ensure it is a suitable size for incoming stock.
No issues were observed with the transfer process, with all pipework securely connected. All equipment appeared in good operational order and site procedures were followed.
A total of 1,131, 247 were transferred onto the site in May 2023 for the 2023/24 production cycle. The final output of stock from the site to sea water came to 1,068,032 with a total mortality count through this cycle of 53,577 (4.7%). There was also 2 culls during grading in August and October 2023 of 9,368 fish. This then brings the total number of fish on output, mortalities and culled for this cycle to the same number of fish upon input.
The average weight of the stock on output in February/March 2024 was 97-100g. There was a small output in October 2023 with an average weight at the time of 46-50g.
Transfer of fish onto site observed on 18/06/2024. Paperwork completed remotely on 02/07/2024. [Original PDF]

Lochmaddy

Case Number: 2024-0188

DownloadMortality: SAL - Peak in mortality just after the visit last year, weeks 47 (1.76%), 48 (1.99%) and 49 (1.21%) due to AGD. After freshwater treatment mortality levels dropped well below reporting levels and have stayed low since then. Slight increase in mortality (but below reporting threshold) for week 24 2024 following the end of freshwater treatments. WRS - Monthly wrasse mortality has ranged between 1-7% per month since November 2023 with a peak in December 2023 of 403 fish. WRS recent monthly mortality: April - 235 fish, May - 130 and June (up to date of inspection) - 129 fish.
Sealice: Levels have been slowly rising since week 13 2024 (0.15) and reached 0.29 in week 21. Week 22 - 0.53, week 23 -
0.76 , week 24 - no count due to freshwater treatments and week 25 (after freshwater treatments) - 0.00
Treatments: Since November - 2 freshwater treatments. Most recent freshwater treatment 9-15th June.
Containment: Site are currently trialling bird pole top nets with a seal fence on pen 9. Trial has gone well and the site will implement these on all pens in the future.
During the physical inspection of the site, visibility into the pens was reduced due to the overcast conditions and dark water.
The fish observed were shoaling and appeared healthy. A good feed response was observed. Across the whole site only 4 floating mortalities and 2 moribund fish were observed.
The fish taken for VMD sampling had no lice and appeared healthy both externally and internally. [Original PDF]

Maragay Mor

Case Number: 2024-0189

DownloadCame onto site with frunculosis from the hatchery.
Health report - 21/05/2024 - Frunculosis is in the background at lower levels (considered inactive)
Mortality: Peaks - 2022 - Week 46 3.2% (18,598) due to freshwater treatment, 2023 - Weeks 32 and 33 12.58% and 12.80% just before harvesting due to CMS. New cycle mortality has been low since input - apart from initial input losses.
Treatments: Last cycle freshwater treatments and FLS treatment. This cycle - SLICE 25th April - 2nd May 2024. Syncaine
(active ingredient Tricaine methanesulfonate) for health treatments but going back to using Tricaine once they have used up the supply of Syncaine until fish are 2.5kg. When fish are above 2.5kg the site will then use Optomease.
Lice: Highest this cycle has been 0.05 and last cycle 0.73 adult females. Lice levels this cycle have been 0.01 or below.
During physical inspection of the site no mortality was seen. Fish were observed shoaling and had good feed responses.
Fish for VMD samples were taken from pens 7 and 9 - all fish were clear of lice and appeared healthy both externally and internally. [Original PDF]

Shuna SW (Rubh'an Trilleachain)

Case Number: 2024-0139

DownloadWRS and LUM all farmed from Mowi owned farms
Cleaner fish treated with florfenicol in feed treatment since date of input (food from World of Feeds)
Moritella detected on site using PCR with high CT-values. Reportedly no clinical signs of the disease. No clinical signs of disease observed during inspection of the stock.
Pseudomonas anguiliseptica detected in lumpfish population via PCR with low CT-values. Higher than average lumpfish mortality has been attributed to this pathogen.
Fish caught for VMD samples appeared healthy externally and internally. [Original PDF]

West Strome

Case Number: 2024-0040

DownloadPaperwork and inspection by , accompanied by .
Site inspected following complaint regarding biosecurity received on 12/12/24.
The complaint was reportedly sent to RSPCA as well and the site was reported to have had their Freedom Foods certification suspended, pending a full audit of the site for the accreditation scheme. The site has recently undergone and passed there audit for Freedom Foods and a harvest so scheduled for 26/02/24. It was reported that the site will undergo additional
Freedom Foods audits this year.
Following the complaint, Bakkafrost reviewed and under took retraining of staff in relation to mortality removal, fish welfare, storage and biosecurity. Training records were available for inspection and were up to date.
In addition to this, training records were available for annual refresher training to cover - Biosecurity, fish welfare, escape contingency, mortality classification, cleaner fish welfare, use of T.M.S., welfare standards, culling & moribund removal, harvest & processing welfare and routine event and fallen stock removal. All training records were available for inspection.
Staff in the video submitted with the complaint were reported to be from another site and were on site to help whilst the site staff were dealing with FW / FLS treatments, this was required as the site has strict operating hours, although it was reported that exemptions can be applied for in specific circumstances.
During inspection of site, bins used for mortality removal were clearly labelled, lids were kept on with exception of when mortalities were being counted and placed in the bins. Mortalities were collected in a braille net using uplift system, with mortalities being counted and recorded against different causes. This was done at the individual pen level, with lid returned to fish bin between pens. No fish were transported in the braille net.
The area at the shorebase the area where mortalities are stored was inspected. A sealed skip is used for mortality collection, with a second skip on site available if required. The area around the skip was clean and tidy. Spare bins used for mortality collection were clean and neatly stacked at one end of the yard. No issues were observed with the processes on site. [Original PDF]

Wick of Belmont

Case Number: 2024-0083

DownloadPaperwork inspected remotely on 17/05/2024.
Site inspected in a calm sea state in overcast weather, visibility of the stocks was good. Fish were observed shoaling well and responding positively to routine feeding regimes. No clinical signs of disease observed during the inspection of the stocks, fish looked to be in very good condition and feeding well. 3 Runts observed across the whole site (pens 2, 5 and 8).
One fish was removed for VMD sampling and was healthy both internally and externally.
Site does not fallow synchronously due to only sites from the same company within disease management area. [Original PDF]