The UK government's Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has been compelled to release inspection reports detailing millions of accidental fish deaths on Scottish salmon farms, following a ruling by the Information Commissioner's Office.
The documents reveal massive fish mortality caused by suffocation and toxic gas buildups at sites operated by major aquaculture companies.
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According to the released records, a worker at a Mowi facility left fish unattended in 2021, resulting in more than 100,000 salmon suffocating.
A hydrogen sulphide buildup at the same site killed over 1 million fish within 10 hours.
A separate Bakkafrost facility experienced over 2.1 million fish deaths from hydrogen sulphide across two incidents. Neither company faced enforcement action from regulators.
Abigail Penny, executive director of Animal Equality UK, criticized APHA's culture of secrecy, stating that the public has the right to know what happens on these farms and whether regulators are doing their jobs.
The campaign group also highlighted a trout farm where 70,000 fish died and survivors were culled without initial reports being filed to the Fish Health Inspectorate.
Penny expressed exhaustion over the repeated cycle of corporations inflicting suffering on animals with little remorse, while taxpayer-funded bodies fail to hold them accountable.
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Animal Equality UK recently filmed footage at a Scottish Sea Farms site showing salmon with severe sea lice infestations, blindness, and open wounds, pushing for more recent data.
Penny argued that the tight-lipped approach serves only the salmon farming industry, not the public or animals, and that information should not be buried in bureaucracy to shield global conglomerates from scrutiny.
An APHA spokesperson defended the regulator's case-by-case processing system, stating that exemptions are applied only on grounds of confidentiality or commercial sensitivity where full disclosure could hinder APHA's functions.
The agency said it treats all reports of poor welfare at salmon farms seriously and will not hesitate to take further action if evidence of cruelty or neglect is found.
Industry representatives noted that the sector voluntarily shares survival statistics and continues to receive significant commercial investment, with over £1bn invested in innovation, veterinary care, technology, and stock management.
Retailers sourcing from the highlighted facilities have initiated inquiries into the conditions shown in the campaign group's footage.
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A Co-op spokesperson said they are engaging urgently with their supplier to understand the full context and will take swift action if standards are not met.
