55 responses have been received as part of the Falkland Islands Government salmon farming scoping exercise. FIG is considering large-scale commercial salmon farming in Falkland Islands waters and ran a scoping exercise last year to identify:

•             Environmental, social, or economic aspects not already evaluated in the socio-economic impact assessment

•             Additional data sources or evidence to consider

•             Concerns about large-scale salmon farming development

•             Comments on the proposed public consultation methodology

Results highlighted key areas of greatest concern to the public. These included the impacts of nutrients and waste at pen locations, degradation of the marine environment and impact of diseases and pathogen transfer.

Concerns were also raised on socio-economic impacts on housing, tourism, utilities and cultural values. Respondents also indicated that case studies from other global salmon farm producers including Scotland, Canada, Norway and Chile should be taken into consideration.

Comments raised from the public and stakeholders will be used during the public consultation to be held later this year. The consultation will look at development proposals, including a proposal to ban on large-scale salmon farming.

A summary of the responses received can be accessed on the FIG website