Wester Ross Fisheries Ltd 
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Sustainability
Salmon farmers are guardians of the natural environment. Our livelihoods depend entirely on caring for the pristine waters where our salmon grow. We, at Wester Ross have successfully grown salmon in the same sea lochs since 1977; in harmony with many other local users and the local environment. Wester Ross farming methods care for the environment:- |
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FISH MEAL
Skretting, our feed producer, have developed a fishmeal specifically for us and our requirements using offcuts from the filleting process of fish, caught in the North-east Atlantic, bound for human consumption. This has brought our FIFO ratio to less than 1.34:1. Ths FIFO ratio is the 'Fish In; Fish Out' ratio which means that to produce 1kg of salmon less than 1.34kg of caught fish was used to feed it. We are looking at ways to reduce this further but this is significantly lower than fish on a Label Rouge Diet whose FIFO ratio is ~3.29:1. It is important to add that no growth promoters or chemical supplements are used.
HAND-REARING
Our salmon are fed by hand throughout their life; this minimises the risk of waste feed, which also decreases the level of fouling of the immediate sea-floor.
LOCAL ECOSYSTEM
Our sites are monitored on a continual basis for environmental impact, with formal measuring of seabed impact taking place on an annual basis. Local fishermen are even enjoying the benefits of our activity; with the areas close to the salmon pens providing ideal sheltered areas for wild fish and shellfish stock enhancement. Hence, when the sites are moved, the fishermen experience good catches.
We have worked closely with many river owners to enhance the Wild Salmon stocks in local rivers. By providing a year round supply of consistent quality Scottish Salmon, we are reducing the demand for the scarce Wild Salmon where stocks are depleting.
NETS
Our salmon nets are inspected daily. In order to facilitate the maximum water exchange, each population is moved into a clean net at 3-week to 6-week intervals during the spring/summer and winter, respectively. The vacated net is left attached to the pen but hauled clear of the water to dry naturally in the sun; allowing a thorough inspection which removes the need for using anti-foulants on our nets. Although damage to nets is rare we further reduce the risk of salmon escaping by using smaller pens where changes in stock level and fish behaviour can be noticed quickly.
FISH HEALTH
We only use authorised veterinary medicines, prescribed by a vet and administered under veterinary supervision by trained personnel. All medicines have been scrutinised in Europe, the UK and in Scotland to ensure that their use is safe for the consumer and the environment.