Crackdown on fish farms’ illegal seal-scarers that harm whales

A CRACKDOWN is to be launched to prevent fish farms in Scotland from using illegal ‘acoustic scarer’ devices that can harm porpoises, dolphins and whales.

Acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) blast varying frequencies of sound into the water from 135 to 198 decibels to frighten seals off and stop them eating fish. However, the loud volume has been found to damage the sensitive hearing of other marine mammals which rely on echo-location.

Although ADDs can only legally be used with a licence, research by watchdog body Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) has found the devices are being used illegally by unlicensed fish farms.

Government agency Marine Scotland has now vowed to enforce a ban on ADDs.

The ESS report found ‘widespread, illegal ADD use’ which may have been prevented if Marine Scotland had previously taken more action. It concluded: ‘Marine Scotland’s compliance with environmental law will be demonstrated by their delivery of the enforcement works which ESS will continue to monitor.’

Last night wildlife boat skipper and campaigner David Ainsley welcomed the report’s outcome.

He said: ‘We are delighted that due to the intervention of Environmental Standards Scotland, Marine Scotland will finally enforce the laws protecting porpoises, whales and dolphins from being disturbed and harmed by ADDs.’

Wildlife legislation in place makes it an offence to injure or disturb the marine wildlife in Scottish waters. For years campaigners have pleaded with salmon farms using ADDs to use other deterrents instead such as seal-proof netting.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘ESS made a number of recommendations on how processes relating to the use of acoustic deterrent devices could be improved. These have been accepted and implemented in full and we are pleased that ESS has no ongoing concerns.’