Portree, Isle of Skye, U.K-based salmon farming start-up Organic Sea Harvest (OSH) has appealed a refusal of planning permission for a new fish farm in Skye.
OSH was denied permission for a site in Balmaqueen during a Highland Council North Planning Committee meeting on 26 January 2021. Despite the plans being recommended for approval, the application was denied by an 8-6 vote.
According to OSH, the main reason for refusal was the perceived negative impact the farm would have on ocean views for a portion of northeast Skye. In a press release, OSH said the limited visual impact would be greatly outweighed by economic benefits the farm would bring to the community, including the creation of nine full-time jobs.
The Balmaqueen site would result in GBP 4 million (USD 5.6 million, EUR 4.6 million) in company spending allocated for salaries, equipment, and stock, and would allow Skye to expand its aquaculture industry in a sustainable manner, OSH said. It also pointed to reports suggesting that the refusal decision has caused significant reduced economic activities elsewhere in Scotland.
“We are committed to supporting the community in northeast Skye and investing in the fragile local economy. We believe aquaculture will help to support the diversification of Skye’s economy, which relies strongly on tourism, and has struggled greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic,” OSH CEO Ove Thu said.
Thu said there is no evidence a salmon farm would deter visitors and that tourism and aquaculture can work hand-in-hand to bolster the local economy.
“Skye has already witnessed a growth in aquaculture, with no evidence that this has impacted visitor numbers. As producers of organic salmon, we want to show everyone that Skye is a world-class destination for top-quality, locally sourced food,” he said. “It is hoped that our appeal will be successful as we continue our mission of becoming the leading organic salmon producer in the world and bringing huge economic benefits to the local area.”
OSH chose Balmaqueen as a salmon-farming site due to its excellent water exchange rate thanks to strong local currents and tides resulting in regularly flowing oxygen, lessening the risk of sea lice.
A decision regarding the appeal will be made by a reporter appointed by the Scottish government, but that it is not known when that decision will be reached, it said.
Incorporated in 2015, the company already operates two sites on Skye, at Invertote and Culnacnoc, with both sea sites officially certified as organic by the U.K. Soil Association. Its first harvest for the market is expected in June this year.
It has already invested GBP 13 million (USD 18 million, EUR 15 million) in the local economy, working with various businesses including Loch Duart’s salmon processing plant in Dingwall, the Gael Force Group in Inverness, and Arran Workboats on the Isle of Arran.
Photo courtesy of Organic Sea Harvest
