Storm Amy battered Scotland from October 3 to 4, 2025, leading to the escape of about 75,000 salmon from Mowi’s farm in Loch Linnhe. The world’s top salmon producer now faces a major setback as these fish, each weighing around 860 grams, slipped through a damaged net pen at the Gorsten site.
Escape Details at Gorsten Farm
The incident happened during the first named storm of the 2025/26 season. Severe winds pushed the farm’s mooring anchors across the seabed. This movement caused the pen net to rub against a flotation pipe and tear open.
Mowi’s team acted fast in tough conditions. They notified local authorities and fisheries groups right away. The company estimates the loss at one pen only, with other pens holding steady.
Workers at the site dealt with waves and gusts that made access hard. Early checks show no injuries to staff, but the focus stays on securing the area.
Storm Amy’s Wider Impact on Salmon Farming
This storm did not spare other areas. In Norway, it hit hard along the Trøndelag coast with hurricane force winds. Mowi reported escapes at two sites there, Kåholmen and Valøyan.
At Kåholmen, teams recaptured about 200 farmed salmon weighing 3.5 kilograms each by Monday. Leroy Seafood Group also saw issues at farms in the Trondheimsfjord, sparking probes and recapture drives.
Power outages plagued Scottish farms too. Fish farmers across the region scrambled to protect stocks amid the chaos. Such events highlight how weather extremes test the salmon industry.
- Key effects from Storm Amy:
- Anchor dragging led to net damage in multiple locations.
- Recapture efforts started immediately in affected areas.
- No reports of human harm, but equipment reviews underway.
- Local fisheries alerted to monitor wild stocks.
Environmental and Economic Fallout
Escaped farmed salmon can mix with wild populations, raising gene pool worries. Experts note that farmed fish grow faster and may spread diseases or compete for food. In Loch Linnhe, this could affect native salmon runs already under pressure.
The economic hit for Mowi looks steep. At current market rates, 75,000 fish at 860 grams each might value over 500,000 euros. This loss comes at a time when global salmon demand stays high, pushing prices up.
Climate trends make these storms more common. Warmer seas fuel stronger Atlantic lows, like Amy. Salmon farms must adapt with tougher pens and better moorings to cut future risks.
Broader industry data shows escapes cost millions yearly. Scotland’s salmon sector produced 170,000 tonnes in 2024, but events like this dent output and trust.
| Recent Major Salmon Escapes in Scotland | Date | Company | Location | Fish Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storm Amy Incident | Oct 2025 | Mowi | Loch Linnhe | 75,000 |
| Colonsay Site Breach | Jun 2022 | Mowi | Colonsay | 15,000-20,000 |
| Grey Horse Channel Outer | Jun 2022 | Mowi | Sound of Mull | 32,463 |
| Storm Brendan Damage | Jan 2020 | Mowi | Colonsay | 73,600 |
Mowi’s Response and Future Steps
Mowi stresses its nets meet Scottish and Norwegian standards. The firm now runs a full probe with equipment makers. They aim to fix any flaws in pen design quickly.
Spokespeople say the company regrets the loss. Efforts to recapture fish continue, though rough seas slow progress. Local groups help track escaped salmon.
This event ties into ongoing talks on farm safety. Regulators may tighten rules after reviews. Mowi plans to share findings to aid the whole sector.
Past incidents taught lessons, like stronger anchors post-2020. Yet, critics call for closed containment systems to end open net risks.
Lessons from History and Industry Outlook
Scotland’s salmon farms faced similar blows before. In 2022, two Mowi escapes showed storm vulnerabilities. The 2020 Brendan storm echoed this, with over 70,000 fish gone from one site.
These repeats spark debate on open sea farming. Groups push for land-based or closed pens to shield from weather. Norway leads in recapture tech, which Scotland eyes.
Global production hit 2.5 million tonnes in 2024, with Mowi at the forefront. But sustainability matters more now. Buyers want eco-friendly salmon, so firms invest in resilient tech.
As storms grow fiercer, the industry must evolve. Better forecasting and designs could save billions and protect wild fish.
Share your thoughts on salmon farming challenges in the comments below. What steps should companies take next? Your input helps spark important talks.
