Record High Survival Rates for Scottish Salmon

Scottish salmon survival rates have reached unprecedented levels, following significant investments in innovative technology. New figures indicate that the average monthly survival rate for farmed salmon in Scotland stood at an impressive 99.12% between January and June 2025, marking the best start to a year since the data began being voluntarily tracked in 2018. This positive trend highlights ongoing enhancements in fish health and environmental conditions.

Since 2018, the salmon farming sector has committed over £1 billion towards advancements in veterinary care, technology, and fish stock management. This remarkable achievement at the start of 2025 builds upon last year’s achievements, where cumulative mortality—the total number of fish deaths—decreased by more than a third in 2024.

Overall Survival Improvement

The overall survival across all salmon farms reached 82.3%, a notable increase of 10 percentage points from 72.3% in the previous year. Higher survival rates translate to more high-protein, low-carbon meals reaching consumers, thereby enhancing food security and stimulating economic growth through increased sales both domestically and internationally.

Export and Domestic Sales Surge

Exports of Scottish salmon surged by 45%, hitting a record £844 million last year, which is equivalent to approximately £2.31 million per day. This remarkable outcome solidifies Scottish salmon’s position as the largest food export in the UK. Domestically, sales also saw a rise of 9.1% in the 12 months leading up to June 2024, reinforcing salmon’s status as the UK’s most favored fish.

Industry Leadership

Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, commented on these figures:

“These figures demonstrate our members’ commitment to fish health and welfare, and to responsible farming. Scottish salmon farmers uphold the highest animal welfare standards in the world, but they are always striving to do better. The hard work of our farmers, supported by more than a billion pounds of investment in new technology, has been rewarded with survival rates at record highs.”

“At the same time, demand for Scottish salmon is soaring at home and overseas. This is due to its reputation for quality and sustainability, and the vital role it plays in supporting coastal communities and the wider economy. Consumers continue to clamour for Scottish salmon, recognizing the quality and nutritional value of the fish we cultivate in our waters.”

Addressing Environmental Challenges

Farm-raised salmon usually spend up to 18 months at sea, where they encounter various environmental challenges that can impact their survival. In order to enhance fish survival, producers have invested significantly since 2018 in a variety of solutions, including advanced freshwater treatment facilities, research initiatives, reduced sea time for salmon, training for staff, and enhanced monitoring systems.

These measures have enabled farmers to effectively manage issues such as jellyfish blooms and warmer seawater, thereby improving fish health and sustainability. Notably, the Scottish salmon sector is the only farmed animal sector in the UK that actively publishes survival statistics.

Average Monthly Survival Rates

Here are the average monthly survival rates for Scottish salmon farms between January and June across the years:

• 2025: 99.12%
• 2024: 98.81%
• 2023: 98.66%
• 2022: 98.73%
• 2021: 99.03%
• 2020: 98.98%
• 2019: 98.94%
• 2018: 98.93%

For complete mortality rates, visit here.

Source: Salmon Scotland