Friday 26 November 2021

Defra - Avian Influenza Latest Situation - 26 November 2021

Updated Infographics Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) and Housing Measures
  • The APHA stakeholder social media products have been updated in preparation to the introduction of mandatory housing measures from 00:01 on the 29 November 2021 (housing measures are in addition to the current biosecurity requirements of the AIPZ)
  • These images and animations are available for use by your organisations and are available to download at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nfl9qhlwwumu9py/AAA6ixRGIp_0LHe2fCwfMmaha?dl=0
 
New Cases
  • Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at a premises near Clitheroe, Ribble Valley, Lancashire. Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain in this case. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place around the premises.
  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in birds at a fourth premises near Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire on the 26 November 2021. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been put in place around the premises.

Case Updates
  • Further testing has confirmed that the avian influenza strain in birds at the following premises as highly pathogenic (HPAI H5N1). Following confirmation of the pathogenicity, the Temporary Control Zones have been revoked and replaced by 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone surrounding each of these premises.
  • Third premises near Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire
  • near Poulton le Fylde, Wyre, Lancashire
  • Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zones, the following disease control zone mergers have been completed:
  • the 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone Area around a premises near Droitwich Spa, Wychavon, Worcestershire has been revoked and the areas merged with the 10km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone Area.
  • the 3km Protection Zone declared surrounding a premises near Chirk, Wrexham, Wales has been revoked and the areas merged with the 10km Surveillance Zone for the relevant areas of Wales and England.
  • the 3km Protection Zone and 10km Restricted Zone declared surrounding a premises near in the Angus constituency Scotland has been revoked and and the 3km Protection Zone area merged with the 10km Surveillance Zone.
Keepers can check where disease control zones are located and if they are in zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map.
 
For further information on these cases and details of the measures that apply in the disease control zones surrounding the premises see:
England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england This is particularly important given there are overlapping zones.
 
To receive immediate notification of new cases and updated zones please sign up to the APHA’s Animal Disease alert subscription service further details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apha-alert-subscription-service
 
Outbreak Case Summary
In summary, since the first case confirmed in this outbreak on the 26 October 2021, 23 cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in GB:
  • 20 are in England: 19 cases of HPAI H5N1 and 1 cases of H5N1 (pathogenicity pending)
  • 1 is in Scotland: 1 case of HPAI H5N1
  • 2 are in Wales: 2 cases of HPAI H5N1
  • No cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland.

Bird keepers are reminded that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021 and in Northern Ireland effective from 17 November 2021. Additional Housing measures are currently in force in the Harrogate, Hambleton and Richmondshire districts of North Yorkshire, and will be in force across the UK from 00:01 on Monday 29 November 2021. See GOV.UK for further information.
 
High standards of biosecurity must be maintained as good practice for the health of your birds, and that good biosecurity is an essential defence against diseases such as avian influenza and is key to limiting the spread of avian influenza in an outbreak.
 
Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

Defra - Avian Influenza Latest Situation - 25 November 2021

Updated Biosecurity Guidance • Updated biosecurity guidance and a biosecurity self-assessment checklist have been published. • These documents include details of biosecurity best practice and further guidance on measures that bird keepers must take in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) currently in force, in addition to key guidance on how to prepare for when mandatory housing measures come into force across the UK on the 29 November 2021. • See our biosecurity advice on GOV.UK for further information. 

New Cases in England • Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at the following premises, further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain in each of the cases. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place around each of the premises. • third premises near Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire • near Poulton le Flyde, Wyre, Lancashire • Further testing has confirmed that the avian influenza strain in birds at the premises near Barrow upon Soar, Charnwood, Leicestershire as highly pathogenic (HPAI H5N1). Following confirmation of the pathogenicity, the Temporary Control Zones have been revoked and replaced by 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone around the premises. • For further information on these cases and details of the measures that apply in the disease control zones surrounding the premises see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england. This is particularly important given there are overlapping zones. 

New Cases in Wales • Avian Influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at a premises near Gaerwen, Isle of Anglesey, Wales. • Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place around the premises. • See the Welsh Government Website for further information https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu-latest-update
To receive immediate notification of new cases and updated zones please sign up to the APHA’s Animal Disease alert subscription service further details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apha-alert-subscription-service

Outbreak Case Summary In summary, since the first case confirmed in this outbreak on the 26 October 2021, 21 cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in GB: • 18 are in England: 16 cases of HPAI H5N1 and 2 cases of H5N1 (pathogenicity pending) • 1 is in Scotland: 1 case of HPAI H5N1 • 2 are in Wales: 1 case of HPAI H5N1 and 1 cases of H5N1 (pathogenicity pending) • No cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland.

Bird keepers are reminded that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021 and in Northern Ireland effective from 17 November 2021. Additional Housing measures are currently in force in the Harrogate, Hambleton and Richmondshire districts of North Yorkshire, and will be in force across the UK from 00:01 on Monday 29 November 2021. See GOV.UK for further information

High standards of biosecurity must be maintained as good practice for the health of your birds, and that good biosecurity is an essential defence against diseases such as avian influenza and is key to limiting the spread of avian influenza in an outbreak. Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

Friday 19 November 2021

Defra - Avian Influenza Latest Situation - 19 November 2021

New Case – Premises near Pokesdown, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, England

  • Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at a premises near Pokesdown, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
  • Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain.
  • 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place surrounding the premises (in force from 10.30am on 19 November 2021).
 
Update - Premises near Willington, South Derbyshire, Derbyshire, England
  • Further testing has now confirmed this as a highly pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N1).
  • Following confirmation of the pathogenicity the 3km and 10km temporary control zones put in place on the 17 November 2021 have been revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone surrounding the premises in force from 10.15am on 19 November 2021).
 
Keepers can check where disease control zones are located and if they are in zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map.
 
For further information on these cases and details of the measures that apply in the disease control zones surrounding the premises see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england.  This is particularly important given there are overlapping zones.
 
Outbreak Case Summary
In summary, since the first case confirmed in this outbreak on the 26 October 2021, ten cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in GB:
  • 8 are in England: 7 cases of HPAI H5N1 and 1 case of H5N1 (pathogenicity pending)
  • 1 is in Scotland: 1 case of HPAI H5N1
  • 1 is in Wales: 1 case of HPAI H5N1
  • No cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland.
 
Bird keepers are reminded that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021.
 
High standards of biosecurity must be maintained as good practice for the health of your birds, and that good biosecurity is an essential defence against diseases such as avian influenza and is key to limiting the spread of avian influenza in an outbreak.
 
Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
 
Biosecurity guidance and information on the latest avian influenza situation are available at:

Thursday 18 November 2021

Bird flu and Gamebirds: revised guidance issued

The UK Governments have joined with organisations involved in gamebird management to issue revised guidance on bird flu and the way it can affect the activities of gamebird rearers.

Published on Tuesday by eight game shooting, research and game conservation bodies, the new guidance is endorsed by Defra, the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments.

Download Revised Guidance

Defra - Avian Influenza Latest Situation - 18 November 2021

 New Case – Premises near Willington, South Derbyshire, Derbyshire, England

  • Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at a premises near Willington, South Derbyshire, Derbyshire.
  • Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain.
  • 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place surrounding the premises (in force from 21.30 on 17 November 2021).

 

Update - Premises near Kirkham, Fylde, Lancashire, England

  • Further testing has now confirmed this as a highly pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N1).
  • Following confirmation of the pathogenicity the 3km and 10km temporary control zones put in place on the 16 November 2021 have been revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone surrounding the premises (in force from 21.30 on 17 November 2021).

 

Keepers can check where disease control zones are located and if they are in zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map.

 

For further information on these cases and details of the measures that apply in the disease control zones surrounding the premises see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england.  This is particularly important given there are overlapping zones.

 

Outbreak Case Summary

In summary, since the first case confirmed in this outbreak on the 26 October 2021, nine cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in GB:

  • 7 are in England: 6 cases of HPAI H5N1 and 1 case of H5N1 (pathogenicity pending)
  • 1 is in Scotland: 1 case of HPAI H5N1
  • 1 is in Wales: 1 case of HPAI H5N1
  • No cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland.

 

Bird keepers are reminded that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021.

High standards of biosecurity must be maintained as good practice for the health of your birds, and that good biosecurity is an essential defence against diseases such as avian influenza and is key to limiting the spread of avian influenza in an outbreak.

 

Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

 

Biosecurity guidance and information on the latest avian influenza situation are available at:

Wales: https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu

Wednesday 17 November 2021

The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust Young Gamekeeper of the Year 2021 Award

 

THE 2021 GWT Young Gamekeeper of the Year has been awarded to John Tipping. The Award was presented by Sir John Scott Bt Honorary President of GWT and the charity’s Chief Executive Officer Helen MJ Benson, at Whatton House on 6 November 2021.

 

The award was devised by Trustee Lady Scott, who wished to recognise the families of gamekeepers who give so much to support shoots and estates, helping in whatever task is required.  John, aged 10, helps his father with hatching and looking after the pheasants. However, he’s not just hard at work behind-the-scenes and is described in his nomination as being ‘second in charge on shoot days’. John and his family live in Leicestershire and moved shortly before the first lockdown last year. The family have successfully navigated a new home, new shoot, new school and learning from home - all across a difficult year.

 

Helen says, “Young people are our future, and it is a real pleasure to award the hard work and enthusiasm of those who wish to follow on in their parent’s boots”.

 

All in all, it’s been quite a year for the gamekeepers in the Tipping family, with dad Matt also being in the limelight. Earlier this year, Schöffel Country launched its latest campaign, Diary of a Gamekeeper, which celebrates and acknowledges the practice of gamekeeping and the important role it plays in the countryside. Providing a diary like entry, Schöffel Country follows Matt, who has been a gamekeeper for over 30 years. The entries detail his career to date, conservation efforts and the responsibilities he obtains whilst working at Whatton House. The autumn edition is due for release later this month.

 

During 25th – 30th November inclusive, Schöffel Country will be giving back to the community by running a promotion online with £5 from every order being donated to the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust.


Photo: John with GWT’s Honorary President Sir John Scott Bt, and Chief Executive Officer Helen Benson

Photo credit: Sarah Farnsworth & Schöffel Country 


Friday 12 November 2021

New Case – Avian Influenza H5N1 near Frinton-on-Sea, Tendring, Essex, England

 

  • Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at a premises near Frinton-on-Sea, Tendring, Essex, England.
  • Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain, 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place surrounding the premises.
  • Keepers can check where disease control zones are located and if they are in zone on our interactive map.
  • For further information on this case and details of the measures that apply in the disease control zones see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england

 

Bird keepers are reminded that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021.

High standards of biosecurity must be maintained as good practice for the health of your birds, and that good biosecurity is an essential defence against diseases such as avian influenza and is key to limiting the spread of avian influenza in an outbreak.

 

Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

 

Biosecurity guidance and information on the latest avian influenza situation are available at:

Wednesday 10 November 2021

Defra - Avian Influenza Latest Situation - 10 November 2021

 

World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) Disease Freedom

  • Following confirmation of H5N1 HPAI in a small poultry unit at a premises near Alcester, Bidford, Warwickshire, the UK is no longer free from avian influenza under the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) rules.
  • There are therefore some restrictions on exports of affected commodities to third countries.
  • Trade in poultry and poultry related products with third countries that do not require whole UK avian influenza country freedom may continue on the basis of the conditions included in the export health certificates, unless otherwise notified by the importing country.
  • Agreed Export Health Certificates between the UK and importing countries are considered and issued on a case-by-case basis and can be certified by an Official Veterinarian only if the consignment meets the requirements set out in the export health certificates in full.
  • A collection of guidance and forms for importing and exporting live animals or animal products is available on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/guidance-on-importing-and-exporting-live-animals-or-animal-products

 

Update – Avian Influenza H5N1 in near Alcester, Bidford, Warwickshire

  • Further testing has confirmed the case of Avian influenza H5N1 at a premises near Alcester, Bidford, Warwickshire to be a highly pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N1).
  • Following confirmation of the pathogenicity of the strain the 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zone surrounding the premises were revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone.
  • Keepers can check where disease control zones are located and if they are in zone on our interactive map.
  • For further information on this case and details of the measures that apply in the disease control zones see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england

 

Bird keepers are reminded that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021.

High standards of biosecurity must be maintained as good practice for the health of your birds, and that good biosecurity is an essential defence against diseases such as avian influenza and is key to limiting the spread of avian influenza in an outbreak.

 

Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

 

Biosecurity guidance and information on the latest avian influenza situation are available at:

Monday 8 November 2021

Changes to the Scottish Bird Gatherings General Licence in force from 00:01 8th November 2021

Please be aware that, taking effect Monday 8th November at 00:01 hours, the Scottish General Bird Gathering Licence is to be amended to prohibit gatherings of specified species of birds

Following a risk assessment and the introduction of a Great Britain-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, the amended licence will prohibit gatherings of kept galliformes (chickens, turkeys, pheasants, partridges, quails and other land fowl) and of kept Anseriformes, (ducks, geese, swans and other water fowl). Gatherings of all other types of birds will be permitted, provided that the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) has been notified of the gathering at least 7 days before the event and that the gathering meets all the requirements of the general licence.

Gatherings include (but are not limited to) bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions, and some premises used for dealing or internet sales. In addition, vehicles used to transport live birds where the birds are brought together from multiple premises (so called many-to-one or many-to-many activities) are also considered gatherings.

Changes to the bird gatherings general licence will come into force in all three GB administrations at the same time.

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ)

Colleagues are also reminded that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was declared across whole of Great Britain at 5pm on 3 November 2021. It introduces strict biosecurity measures for all bird keepers (including those who keep pet birds) to help prevent the spread of avian influenza from wild birds or any other source. The decision to implement this zone follows a risk assessment containing the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice.

Keepers with more than 500 birds will need to:

 

  • restrict access for non-essential personnel on their sites
  • ensure workers change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures
  • clean and disinfect site vehicles regularly to limit the risk of disease spreading
  • Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

This applies just as much if you only have a few birds as pets, or if you have a large commercial flock. An outbreak of avian influenza in backyard poultry results in the same restrictions on movement of birds. It has the same impact on farmers and trade in poultry as an outbreak on a commercial farm would have. Good biosecurity improves the overall health and productivity of your flock by helping keep out poultry diseases, such as avian influenza, and limiting the spread of disease in an outbreak.

The AIPZ, now in force across GB, does not currently include a requirement to house birds. However, this is being kept under constant review.

We have published more information on how to spot avian influenza.

You should always check whether different arrangements apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported to your local APHA Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

If you find a single dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), a single dead bird of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species (including gulls) at the same place at the same time, you should report them to Defra’s national telephone helpline: 03459 33 55 77 - please select option 7. It is advisable that you do not touch these birds.

Thursday 4 November 2021

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ)

 

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ)

Press Notice - Bird flu - Latest situation: Avian influenza prevention zone declared across Great Britain

  • Following a number of detections of avian influenza in wild birds across Great Britain, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the whole of Great Britain to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.
  • This means that from 5pm on Wednesday 3 November 2021 it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their birds.
  • The AIPZ now in force across GB, does not include a requirement to house birds. However, this is being kept under constant review. With the increased risk of Avian Influenza during the winter, the need to include a mandatory housing requirement in the AIPZ may arise. Further disease control measures will be based on the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice.
  • Biosecurity guidance and information on the latest avian influenza situation and the AIPZ are available at:

 

Risk Levels

  • The risk of incursion of highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza H5 in wild birds has increased from medium (event occurs regularly) to high (event occurs often) for wild birds.
  • The risk of poultry and captive bird exposure to HPAI H5 across Great Britain has increased from low (with medium uncertainty) to medium (with medium uncertainty) where biosecurity on premises is below the required standard. Where stringent biosecurity measures are in place, the risk has increased from low (with low uncertainty) to low (with medium uncertainty).
  • Further details on the evidence which supported these decisions can be found in Defra and the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) risk assessments available on GOV.UK

 

New Case – Avian Influenza H5N1 in the Angus constituency, Scotland

  • The Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland has confirmed a case of H5N1 Avian Influenza in birds at a premises in the Angus constituency, Scotland. Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain.
  • 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place surrounding the premises.
  • Keepers can check where disease control zones are located and if they are in a zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map.
  • For further information on this case and details of the measures that apply in the disease control zones see the Scottish Government website.

 

Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

Tuesday 2 November 2021

SGA FISHING GROUP'S FULL RESPONSE TO FISH FARM REGULATION REVIEW

The Herald coverage of the SGA Fishing Group aquaculture response (you can read the full article using the link below)

The SGA Fishing Group has responded to Professor Griggs' review of aquaculture regulation in Scotland, as a stakeholder representing ghillies, boatmen, fishing guides, bailiffs and related river workers.

The group made the case for better regulation of aquaculture in Scotland and penalties for fish farm escapes which threaten the genetic integrity of declining wild salmon populations. The group pointed to the findings of 2 Holyrood reviews which rejected the status quo and examples of regulatory measures in other countries such as Norway which lead to better outcomes for wild salmon.

The response led to headlines in titles such as The Herald https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/19651814.fish-farmers-should-face-penalties-even-criminal-charges-mass-escapes/  and Oban Times https://www.obantimes.co.uk/2021/10/30/penalties-needed-for-fish-farm-escapes-ghillies-tell-holyrood-review/ amongst others. 

You can read the response, in its entirety, below. If you are a ghillie in Scotland and want to increase the voice of the profession, you can join the SGA Fishing Group by contacting the SGA office on 01738 587 515 or mail info@scottishgamekeepers.co.uk

The Group is looking to expand further and increase its sphere of influence at this critical time for salmon conservation and the health of our rivers.

The SGA has membership options for fishing ghillies from £40 per year, with many benefits included. You can discuss these with the staff or visit: https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/about-us/why-join.php

You can also join Online by visiting our Safeshop: 

https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/about-us/join.php


Preface


Please note that our comments in response to the review are limited to issues pertaining to farming of Salmon (Salmo salar) and the trout species (Salmo trutta and Oncorhynchus mykiss). This activity has the greatest relevance to our members and is the one where we feel we can most usefully contribute our knowledge and experience. Any reference in this response to aquacultureshould be interpreted solely as referring to the farming of S salar, S trutta and O mykiss unless otherwise explicitly stated. For clarity and as many of the issues are shared between the species  we use the term wild salmonids when referring to wild populations of S salar and wild populations of the anadromous form of S trutta.


Introduction


The Scottish GamekeepersAssociation Fishing Group (SGA Fishing Group)


The SGA Fishing Group is a standalone fishing arm of The Scottish Gamekeepers Association.  It represents ghillies, boatmen, fishing guides, bailiffs and related river working professions. 


Aquaculture in Scotland - on overview of the SGA Fishing Group position


As well as having intrinsic, cultural and historical value viable populations of wild salmonids are essential to our memberslivelihoods. However, the broader economic viability of Scotlands remote rural communities is also a matter of concern to our members, many of whom live in remote rural Scotland. For these reasons the SGA Fishing Group wishes to see a regulatory framework developed for aquaculture in Scotland which allows the aquaculture industry to continue to support the remote rural economy while protecting the wider environment and particularly wild fish from harm. It is our view that the current regulatory framework fails to strike this balance appropriately and that this failure has been instrumental in allowing events to occur and conditions to be created which have had significant negative effects on wild fish and thereby on the livelihoods of our members. 


It should be noted that wild Salmonind populations in Scotland have been in a sustained fall since the 1970s. The reasons for this are varied and complex and include increased predation, commercial exploitation and climate change. However there is now very broad agreement that salmon farming is also an important factor driving migratory salmonid declines.


The SGA Fishing Group would like to see significant changes to the current system of aquaculture in Scotland. We would like to see the closure of existing problemsites, the relocation of fish farms away from the migratory routes of wild fish, the use of triploid fish in fish farms and a sanctions regime for escapes which acts as an effective deterrent.  In the longer term we would like to see all salmon farming brought on land. 


We understand that the aim of the Griggsreview is to look at the structure of and processes for developing regulation of Aquaculture in Scotland rather than the content of those regulations per se. We would contend that it is a feature of effective regulation that interested parties are able to lobby for the changes they seek, the current system of regulation does not allow the SGA Fishing Group to lobby effectively for the changes above. 


Questions raised in your letter dated 02/09



2 - Why the sector needs regulation in the first place;


There are multiple issues raised concerning the ethics and sustainability of aquaculture in Scotland, most of these are not relevant considerations for the SGA Fishing Group and we are neutral on the need for regulation on these matters. However, even if all of these other issues were absent, the serious problems arising from interactions between farmed fish and wild salmonids would justify a strong system of regulation.


We note that there are methods other than regulation by which the government can affect the behaviour of organisations, the forestry industry for instance is shaped by grant schemes as much as regulation and agriculture by a combination of subsidy and regulation. However, in our view, the absence of other effective levers combined with the severity of the issues affecting aquaculture necessitate the use of regulation. 


Sea Lice


CONTEXT NOTE 1 - Sea Lice and Salmonids


Sea lice are naturally occurring ectoparasites of fish belonging to the Caligidae family of copepods, in the context of salmonids in Scotland the principal species is Lepeophtheirus salmonis. Salmonids are able to tolerate a limited number of these parasites, however at high densities they can stress or even kill fish due to skin and mucus damage which prevents proper osmoregulation. The very high densities of salmonids found in open cage fish farming can promote the growth of extremely high levels of sea lice. These can both impact the welfare of farmed fish and can infect wild fish, impacting their welfare or even as illustrated in case study one, killing them. Adult fish have a much higher tolerance for sea lice than younger fish and smoltstage fish which are leaving freshwater and running to sea are particularly vulnerable to sea lice attacks. As illustrated in Scientific study 1 there is a strong correlation between proximity to open cage salmon farms and sea lice densities on wild salmonids. Disease pressures including sea lice have been identified as one of the High level threats to salmonby the Scottish Government


SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT REPORT 1 


A Research and Evidence publication by the Scottish Government entitled Impacts of lice from fish farms on wild Scottish sea trout and salmon: summary of science’  published in March 2021 concluded that The body of scientific information indicates that there is a risk that sea lice from aquaculture facilities negatively affect populations of salmon and sea trout on the west coast of Scotland.”


CASE STUDY 1- Loch Roag and the Blackwater River September 2018


In September 2018 the activist and angler Corrin Smith filmed fish with extremely high levels of sea lice damage in cages operated by the Scottish Salmon Company in Loch Roag off the west coast of Lewis. A few days later anglers observed a large number of wild salmon with extremely high levels of lice damage in the sea pools of the Blackwater river which flows into Loch Roag. While we are not aware of any formal investigative conclusion linking these events, their proximity in space and time is strongly suggestive of a connection.


SCIENTIFIC STUDY 1 -  Relationship between sea lice levels on sea trout and fish farm activity in western Scotland, Middlemiss et al 2013


This study examined the relationship between aquaculture and sea lice numbers on wild Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) on the west coast of Scotland it found that The proportion of sea trout with louse burdens above a critical level was positively related to the fork length of the sea trout and the mean weight of salmon on the nearest fish farm, and negatively related to the distance to that farm.” In summary, the closer a sea trout was to a salmon farm and the more fish in that farm the more likely that sea trout was to exceed the number of sea lice which it could support without significant negative impacts on its health. 


While case study one was an exceptional event in terms of its severity and the relatively short time span over which it took place it is far from unique and there is clear and direct evidence of the links between both individual fish farms and individual salmonid population declines and more generally the development of fish farms and wild salmonid population declines.These links are supported by a wealth of scientific studies, while we have chosen to highlight scientific study one, multiple independent scientific studies confirm the temporal and spatial connections between critical sea lice infections of wild salmonids and fish farming. Even if there were not other concerns over fish farming this matter alone would warrant regulation.


Escapes and introgression


CONTEXT NOTE 2 - While there are significant morphological differences between farmed salmon and wild salmon they are the same species and are capable of producing fertile hybrid offspring. The process of genetic transfer from domesticated to wild populations is referred to as introgression. The individual salmon populations of various rivers have undergone millenia of selection in order to best fit their specific river and saltwater environments. Introgression is a widely reported and significant threat to the genetic integrity of wild fish populations and also features as one of the Scottish Governments high level threats to Salmon


CASE STUDY 2 - On the 20th of August 2020 during storm Ellen the moorings of a cage in the Mowi operated Carradale Fish farm in the Firth of Clyde failed. This resulted in the escape of  48,834 adult fish. Reports of escaped type fish caught by anglers were verified by Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS) and Marine Scotland (MS) using scale samples. The presence of escaped fish was established by this method in rivers extending from the River Ruell in the Cowal Peninsula to the North to the River Eden in Lancashire to the South and in areas as distant from the sea as the river Kelvin. It is worth noting that the mouths of the rivers Lune and Ruell are 195 miles apart and that an unconfirmed report was received from the river Naver - suggesting the possibility of a far wider spread of escaped fish.


SCIENTIFIC STUDY 2 - Gene flow from domesticated escapes alters the life history of wild Atlantic salmon Bolstad et al 2017. This study examined the effect of introgression on wild salmon in Norwegian rivers. Summarising its findings the authors said it showed widespread changes to life-history traits in wild animal populations following gene flow from selectively bred, domesticated conspecifics” adding that,The continued high abundance of escaped, domesticated Atlantic salmon thus threatens wild Atlantic salmon populations by inducing genetic changes in fitness-related traits.”


As with case study one and scientific study one, case study two and scientific study two are selected examples from many more cases. The issue of genetic introgression arising from escapes  is viewed as the single most important threat to Norwegian salmon and it has a significant negative effect on the fitness of Scottish salmon. As with sea lice, even if the salmon production industry had no other problems associated with it, genetic introgression alone would justify regulation of this industry. We would also point out that the problem of introgression can easily be resolved by the use of triploid fish in fish farms.


Without underestimating the severity of the other issues associated with aquaculture in Scotland there are two principle grounds which the SGA Fishing Group regard as meriting regulation of the sector. 



 3 - Why has that regulation to be in the form of legislation?


We note that in its good practice guidance; Principles of effective regulation the National Audit Office identifies the scale of regulatory models shown below as figure one


Figure one

 

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We have considered where on this scale the regulation of aquaculture should be placed and  would argue strongly that Command and Controlregulation backed with suitable penalties is appropriate - this would require legislation. 


We believe that the problems associated with aquaculture in Scotland are so severe that it is necessary for the Scottish Parliament to consider creating not just regulatory penalties but also criminal offences. Had an offence existed of deliberately or recklessly allowing the escape of farmed fish in a manner which causes harm to wild fishor of deliberately or recklessly causing harm to wild fish as a result of an aquaculture operationnot only would the operators of the farms described in case studies one and two have had a powerful disincentive to allowing those situations to develop but they would subsequently have been rigorously investigated. Nothing above should be taken as an indication that we believe the actions of the companies above were deliberate or reckless, we are merely saying that the existence of an offence would have acted both as a disincentive to allowing those situations to arise and would have facilitated investigation.


Regardless of the need to create offences we believe that an approach to regulation based on legislation would be desirable. The harms arising from aquaculture are very serious and merit proper consideration. The current system of regulation has developed piecemeal and in a manner which is not responsive to overarching Scottish government policy objectives, public opinion or the needs of groups such as our members. The process of framing, introducing, interrogating and adopting legislation would provide an opportunity for all appropriate parties to have an input and for the issues concerning aquaculture to be understood and debated more widely. 


4 What are the issues with the current regulatory framework? 




We note that a recent Canadian Government review described the Scottish system of regulation as Slow and cumbersome” and it is our broad view that the system of aquaculture regulation in Scotland is fundamentally unfit for purpose due to a combination of issues including, but not limited to.


  • Failure to ensure  powers are allocated  to bodies which have the competence and resources to operate those powers
  • Failure consistently apply the precautionary principle
  • Failure to develop a proper system of penalties 
  • Failure to  address gaps in regulation
  • Failure to coordinate diverse regulatory inputs


The examples below are indicative and are not intended as a comprehensive list of the failures of aquaculture regulation in Scotland.


REGULATORY FAILURE EXAMPLE 1 - The Allocation of Powers to bodies which lack the competence and resources to operate those powers - Planning authorities and environmental management plans


Under the current consenting regime for fish farms in Scotland planning authorities have an important role in that a fish farm will require planning consent (along with other consents) for its construction. Planning authorities in common with all other public bodies are required under the  Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act (2004) (the 2004 act) to protect biodiversity. Given the well known threat to wild salmonids from fish farms planning authorities have sought to discharge their responsibilities under the 2004 act by including Environmental management plans as a planning condition. These plans are intended to limit the damage arising from sea lice and to put in place systems to ensure lice numbers do not become unsustainable. However planning authorities themselves concede that these are a poor tool for controlling sea lice and protecting wild salmonids. Argyll and Bute council said in its written response to the REC committee Given those sea lice are an environment wide issue presenting cumulative impact considerations, their consequences are not best addressed by individual planning applications, which present themselves on an ad hoc basis. The issue of sea lice requires an area wide water body response which cannot be delivered by EMPs associated with individual applications”. In the same response Argyll and Bute council accepted that it did not have the competence or resources to enforce these plans,It is fair to say that in terms of technical knowledge and scientific expertise neither officers, nor councillors are best placed to address wild fish issues. This brings into question, in the original division of regulatory responsibilities, whether wild fish interactions ought to have been a material planning consideration, or whether they would have been better served by regulators with access to the necessary expertise and the opportunity to monitor production activities on site.”




REGULATORY FAILURE EXAMPLE 2 - Failure to consistently apply the precautionary principle


The precautionary principle is stated in a variety of ways by different authors, however among the most widely cited is the formulation that When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. In this context the proponent of an activity, rather than the public, should bear the burden of proof.” However it is stated the precautionary principle is widely viewed as a vital element of environmental regulation. Despite this it is absent from at least one key element of the aquaculture consenting process, the Environmental management plans mentioned above. The following text taken from an EMP is illustrative shall identify and deploy outcome-focussed farm management measures designed to remedy impacts on wild salmonid populations caused by farming activity, if evidenced through the Wild Fisheries Sea Lice Monitoring Strategy in the previous Production Cycle.” This relies on the prior detection of impacts before action is taken and as such it is a direct inversion of the precautionary principle. It is also absurd, as it assumes that in the highly complex and dynamic marine environment the situation which arose in previous years is an effective guide to the situation which will arise in that year or in future years.  



REGULATORY FAILURE EXAMPLE 3 - Failure to develop a proper system of penalties 

As outlined above in case studies one and two, failures by  salmon farms can have severe environmental consequences. However in neither of these cases was any penalty applied to the farm operators. It is an extraordinary state of affairs that the operations of fish farms can lead to shocking losses of wild fish and to potentially irreversible genetic pollution and no penalty is available to disincentive repetition.  We note that this fact was highlighted in the report of the salmon interactions working group which recommended that 

2.7 Appropriate fines, proportionate to the incident and scale of the escape, should apply to escapes of fish; 

2.8 Where direct costs or nuisance resulting from an escape of farmed fish can be demonstrated there should be a legal requirement on the farm operator to fully compensate those costs; 

2.9 Enforcement sanctions relating to sea lice and escapes, including the use of fixed and variable monetary penalties, should have a mechanism to allow monies to be invested into wild salmonid conservation work.”



REGULATORY FAILURE EXAMPLE 4 - Failure to address gaps in regulation


There is a significant gap in the regulation of aquaculture in Scotland around the effects of sea lice originating from aquaculture establishments on wild salmonids. This matter, despite being one of the most significant effects of aquaculture on wild salmonids is not effectively regulated. Regulation of this matter is not owned by SEPA who regard sea lice, even at elevated levels, as not falling under their responsibility to control pollution, nor is it owned by Marine Scotland whose responsibility extends only to the farmed fish. In theory this is covered by the EMPs, however as outlined above  there are serious problems with this approach which make it largely ineffective. Even if EMPs could be made effective, which we do not believe, they still provide no control over farms which were developed before that system was introduced. 


REGULATORY FAILURE EXAMPLE 5 - Failure to coordinate diverse regulatory inputs


The recent review of aquaculture consenting documented the various regulatory inputs at the consenting phase of an aquaculture development. The parties with inputs include; planning authorities, SEPA, Marine Scotland and Marine Scotland Science. Due to its control over seabed leases the Crown estate also has a psuedo-regulatoryfunction in as much as it is able to prevent farm developments by refusing leases. Each of these regulators have a range of statutory and non-statutory consultees, including at times the other regulators. Some of the consulted bodies, particularly members of the public, community councils and district salmon fisheries boards are consulted far more often than is reasonable as many of these individuals and bodies do not have the capacity to make multiple responses to consultations. 


Multiple regulatory inputs is a common situation in even the best regulated industries. As figure two shows the Gambling industry is an example of an industry which has multiple regulators.


Figure TwopastedGraphic_1.png

However, unlike aquaculture, gambling has an overall industry regulator; the gambling commission. Describing its mission the commission says that We regulate most types of gambling in Great Britain, including The National Lottery in the UK. We also license the individuals and businesses that offer gambling and provide them with advice and guidance.” The existence of a coordinating regulator with strategic overview of the industry has allowed the commission to develop various initiatives to protect consumers and reduce the harms form gambling  It is notable that there is no body which can say we regulate aquaculture in Scotland”. 


The SGA Fishing Group would reiterate at this point that it wishes to see a continuation of the valuable contribution of Aquaculture to the economy of remote rural Scotland.  A poorly structured regulatory system is not just ineffective at protecting wild salmonids, it is also a brake on the flourishing of a sustainable version of this industry. 



5 What could be done to improve the current framework and importantly the process?


The crucial failing of aquaculture regulation in Scotland is the absence of a regulator able to coordinate the regulatory inputs, streamline the process and take a strategic approach to aquaculture regulation. This regulatory function could be assigned to an existing agency which was equipped, by legislation, with necessary powers or to a newly created regulator.


We note that the report of the Salmon interactions working group recommended that,A single lead body (with appropriate competence and capacity) should be assigned responsibility for regulating wild and farmed fish interactions and given appropriate powers for monitoring and enforcement” and that furthermore the aquaculture consenting review recommends consideration of a one stop shopfor aquaculture consenting. If these are added simply as additional regulatory inputs they are likely to further confuse the picture and to make the strategic overview of regulation more difficult. Instead we believe they should become part of the activities of an aquaculture regulator.


If the idea of developing a single overarching regulator is not taken forward the current regulatory gaps noted above should be closed as a matter of urgency. It is simply unacceptable that wild salmonid interactions are not currently properly regulated by a competent body. This body should be given all necessary powers and should be able to levy fines and other penalties where escapes occur or where disease from farmed fish affects wild fish. 


The precautionary principle must be embedded at all levels of regulation of aquaculture in Scotland. Approaches which use what happened last yearto make changes for this year are outdated and unacceptable. 


6 Whether there are any examples that might provide useful insight on how this is done  elsewhere 


The UK has a number of effective overarching regulators, these include the gambling commission mentioned above, the food standards agency and the health and safety executive all have clear and well defined regulating roles. 


We note that in Norway aquaculture is legislatively regulated by the The Aquaculture Act (2005) and is the responsibility of The Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs (the Ministry). The regional office of the Directorate of Fisheries (an executive agency of the The Ministry) acts as the coordinating regulator for aquaculture regulations. After receiving an application the Regional office seeks inputs from the Food Safety Authority, the County Governor, the National Coastal Administration and the Water Resources and Energy Directorate. Based on requirements set out in legislation and the permissions from consultees the directorate can then issue licences or decline them. This is an admirably clear licence application system and one which contrasts markedly with the Scottish system.  On an ongoing basis the directorate and the Norwegian food safety authority have a responsibility for ensuring standards are maintained in aquaculture establishments.


Of particular interest to the SGA Fishing Group is the traffic light system for sea lice densities. The system was described by Oluasson 2018,the idea is that the key to growth is the sea lice pressure. This means that the sea lice effect on wild salmon mortality will be the indicator with respect to production growth. In areas where sea lice cause wild salmon smolt mortality less than 10%, a green light for increasing production by 6% will be given. A yellow light will be given in the case where sea lice induced mortality is between 10 and 30%. A yellow light means that the growth is on hold, i.e., constant production. If an area gets a red light, the sea lice induced mortality is higher than 30%, and production should be reduced.”


While Norway has a clearer and better structured regulatory system for aquaculture than Scotland it should be noted that significant  harms to wild fish continue to arise from aquaculture in Norway. It is the view of the SGA Fishing Group that while better regulation may be able to reduce such harms only the use of land based, closed containment systems can eradicate them and bring about a truly sustainable model of aquaculture in Scotland.



Appendix 1


Escape events from Scottish Salmon/trout farms 01/01/16 - 01/01/21 where number of Atlantic Salmon escaped >0



Escape ID

Escape start date

Species

Number of fish escaped

Site id

Site Name

Operator

2000519

20/08/2020

Atlantic Salmon

48834

FS1176

Eilean Grianain

Mowi Scotland Ltd

2000507

17/01/2020

Atlantic Salmon

73,684

FS1296

Colonsay

Mowi Scotland Ltd

2000505

14/01/2020

Atlantic Salmon

13,952

FS0839

Geasgill

The Scottish Salmon Company

2000498

10/10/2019

Atlantic Salmon

23970

FS1261

Hellisay

Mowi Scotland Ltd

2000491

22/05/2019

Atlantic Salmon

500

FS0881

Uig

Grieg Seafood Shetland Ltd

2000489

25/04/2019

Atlantic Salmon

4465

FS0737

Loch Huamavat

The Scottish Salmon Company

2000485

09/01/2019

Atlantic Salmon

Est - 4000

FS1287

Corlarach

Grieg Seafood Shetland Ltd

000481

12/11/2018

Atlantic Salmon

24,752

FS1261

Hellisay

Mowi Scotland Ltd

2000472

03/05/2018

Atlantic Salmon

200

FS0800

Leinish

Grieg Seafood Shetland Ltd

2000469

11/02/2018

Atlantic Salmon

21,712

FS1309

Loch Snizort East

Grieg Seafood Shetland Ltd

2000468

04/02/2018

Atlantic Salmon

12

FS0502

Scotasay

Mowi Scotland Ltd

2000467

01/02/2018

Rainbow Trout

5400

FS0260

Braevallich Farm

Dawnfresh Farming Ltd

2000466

17/01/2018

Atlantic Salmon

>500 <1050

FS0948

Score Holms

Grieg Seafood Shetland Ltd

2000463

23/11/2017

Atlantic Salmon

1558

FS0016

Loch Alsh (Sron)

Mowi Scotland Ltd

2000462

01/11/2017

Atlantic Salmon

6

FS0212

Invasion Bay

Mowi Scotland Ltd

2000457

29/08/2017

Atlantic Salmon

163

FS0146

Kinlochmoidart Hatchery

The Scottish Salmon Company

2000456

15/08/2017

Atlantic Salmon

11040

FS0839

Geasgill

The Scottish Salmon Company

2000455

01/07/2017

Atlantic Salmon

4

FS0605

Creag an T'Sagairt (Loch Hourn)

Mowi Scotland Ltd

2000452

25/03/2017

Atlantic Salmon

17398

FS0964

Bloody Bay

Scottish Sea Farms Ltd

2000449

15/12/2016

Atlantic Salmon

617

FS1027

Linga (Setterness)

Grieg Seafood Shetland Ltd

2000450

12/11/2016

Atlantic Salmon

50

FS1122

Grey Horse Channel

Mowi Scotland Ltd

2000440

18/05/2016

Atlantic Salmon

829

FS1076

Setterness North (Bomlo)

Grieg Seafood Shetland Ltd