A parliamentary committee has opened an inquiry into allegations of illegal waste dumping by salmon farms across Scotland and Norway. The probe follows months of environmental complaints and leaked documents suggesting companies bypassed regulations to dispose of fish waste at sea.

Scope of the Investigation

The Environment and Rural Affairs Committee will examine evidence from whistleblowers, marine scientists and regulatory bodies. Members plan to question executives from major aquaculture firms and officials from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Early submissions indicate that waste volumes exceeded permitted levels by up to 40 percent at several sites between 2021 and 2023. Committee chair Sarah Thompson said the inquiry would determine whether current licensing rules are adequate or if deliberate non-compliance occurred. Hearings are scheduled to begin next month and are expected to last eight weeks.

Campaigners welcomed the move but warned that previous investigations had produced little change. Data from the Marine Conservation Society shows elevated nutrient levels near 12 farms, correlating with reduced oxygen in surrounding waters. Independent tests also detected traces of antibiotics and feed additives not authorised for marine disposal.

Industry and Regulatory Response

Salmon producers have stated they operate within strict environmental limits and cooperate fully with regulators. A spokesperson for the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation said waste management protocols are audited annually and any breaches are reported immediately. The organisation added that new closed-containment systems are being trialled to reduce open-sea discharges.

Regulators acknowledged gaps in monitoring but insisted enforcement actions have increased. The Scottish Government said it would consider tightening licence conditions once the committee publishes its findings. Environmental groups are calling for a temporary moratorium on new farm licences until the inquiry concludes. The committee has invited written submissions from the public until the end of the month.