Loch Broom fish feed barge bid withdrawn by Wester Ross Fisheries after storm of protest
A HIGHLY controversial Wester Ross proposal for an automated fish farm feed system that triggered a barrage of objections has been withdrawn, the Ross-shire Journal has been told.
The Ullapool fish feed barge bid from Wester Ross Fisheries triggered over 70 comments strongly objecting to the planning application submitted to the Highland Council.
Wester Ross Fisheries (WRF), which was bought by larger fishing company Mowi, had plans to install an automated feed system on Loch Broom at an existing salmon farm.
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WRS said the proposal would include a feed barge, associated moorings, pipes and distribution equipment at the pens.
In March, Wester Ross Fisheries held a meeting to “provide a platform for community discussion” around the controversial proposal.
The meeting attracted a large turnout of locals with some strong opinions to the plans floated.
After that, WRF’s planning application on the Highland Council e-planning website received over 70 objections.
However on being approached for comment this week, a spokeswoman for the company said: “Wester Ross Fisheries held three community meetings to gain feedback on the feed barge proposal at its Corry site.
“The proposal has been withdrawn whilst comments and feedback are reviewed, and all options are considered.”
While the news will be welcomed by those concerned about the impact of the proposal, comments live on the ePlanning system suggest the company has some seriously thinking to do.
Ann Falconer said: “I strongly object to this proposal. Loch Broom is a marine protected area with many important species of sea creatures, birds and animals.
“Having an industrial operation of this size and type will likely pollute the loch and affect those creatures as well as humans living nearby.
“A huge industrial structure like this is not appropriate for this beautiful area and will lead to more visual and environmental changes for the worse. Huge companies should not be able to muscle in and change natural areas for profit.”
Ailsa McLellan said: “Along with a lot of my neighbours, I object to the plans to install a feed barge in front of our houses in Loggie, Loch Broom. I believe all of the responses are objections, with none in support. We do not want this feed barge.
“I have been employed by salmon farms, and by the RSPCA auditing salmon farms, I know that this is closer than usual to domestic dwellings, and I know exactly how noisy and polluting feed barges are.”
Danielle McGuire stated: “This proposal is absolutely outrageous, not only does it disrupt ecosystems, it adds to the already growing problem of salmon farming. Not being able to obtain fresh salmon in Scotland is embarrassing considering the wild fishing culture was once one of the finest in the world. Now, thanks to salmon farms, shame and embarrassment floods our beautiful country.”
Hamish Hayes said: “I know feed barges are noisy, as my dad has a boat and we go past them. I know that feed barges scatter microplastics in the sea, and people have to start paying attention to that because it is a big problem for filter feeders. My dad is an oyster farmer in Loch Broom and I don't want them to be full of plastic.
”Please say no to the feed barge. There is already too much plastic in the sea.”
The application, which was submitted last September, was still showing as live on the Highland Council ePlanning system this week.
