PRESS RELEASE – IMMEDIATE USE – 25^th APRIL 2004

 

 

Scotland’s Toxic Toilets Revealed

“Filthy Five” flood Scottish waters with chemical wastes

 

Exclusive information obtained by the Salmon Farm Protest Group (SFPG) reveals that there are now ca. 1,400 licences for the use of Azamethiphos, Cypermethrin, Dichlorvos, Emamectin Benzoate, Formalin and Teflubenzuron on Scottish salmon, cod and halibut farms [1].  This chemical cocktail includes carcinogens, hormone disrupting compounds (“gender benders”) and marine pollutants [2]. 

 

Find out where Scotland’s “Toxic Toilets” are via The Salmon Farm Monitor: www.salmonfarmmonitor.org

 

Responding to a request for information under the Freedom of Environmental Information Regulations, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency concede that since 1998 they have issued 311 licences for Cypermethrin, 282 for Azamethiphos, 212 for Teflubenzuron and 211 for Emamectin Benzoate (1016 in total).  According to SEPA “around 20” licences are also still outstanding for the banned carcinogen Dichlorvos and the Scottish Executive admitted last year that SEPA has issued a further 360 licences for the use of Formalin since 1998 [3].

 

Special Areas of Conservation (as protected under the EC Habitats Directive) subject to chemical discharges include the Moray Firth, Firth of Lorne, Loch Creran, Loch Laxford, Loch Roag, Loch Duich and Loch Alsh.  Other lochs include Ainort, Arnish, Broom, Carron, Diabaig, Erisort, Ewe, Fyne, Glencoul, Grimshader, Harport, Kanaird, Kishorn, Leven, Linnhe, Little Loch Broom, Maddy, Nevis, Portree, Seaforth, Shell, Sligachan, Snizort, Spelve, Striven, Sunart and Torridon. 

 

Of the 1016 licences issued since 1998 for Azamethiphos, Cypermethrin, Emamectin Benzoate and Teflubenzuron the biggest culprits – the “Filthy Five” – are Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd (152), Scottish Seafarms Ltd (139), Stolt Sea Farms Ltd (82), Lighthouse of Scotland Ltd/Lighthouse Highland Ltd (81) and Mainstream Scotland Ltd (69).  These five companies alone are responsible for over half (51%) of all the chemical licences issued in Scotland.  A further 54 companies including Loch Duart Ltd (41), WISCO (27), Wester Ross Salmon (20), Lakeland Marine Farm (18), Papil Salmon Ltd (16) and Scord Salmon (16) are responsible for the remaining (493) licences. 

 

Don Staniford, MD of the Salmon Farm Protest Group, said:

 

“Norwegian and Dutch multinationals are using Scotland as a dumping ground for a lethal cocktail of chemicals including carcinogens, hormone disrupting compounds and marine pollutants.  By opening the floodgates to a new wave of toxic chemicals, SEPA have granted salmon farmers licence to kill lobsters, scallops, prawns, mussels and other commercially important shellfish.  Wild salmon too are being driven to extinction by the toxic wastes discharged directly into Scottish freshwater and sea lochs.  Salmon farmers need to clean up their act instead of freeloading on Scotland’s pristine waters – and that means closed containment systems where toxic chemicals, sea lice, escapes, infectious diseases and contaminated wastes can all be controlled”

 

For more information please contact Don Staniford on 07880 716082

or see The Salmon Farm Monitor: www.salmonfarmmonitor.org

     

Hysbackie, Tongue, by Lairg, Sutherland 1V27 4XJ, Scotland

Tel: 01847 611274; Fax: 01847 611262; email bruce@hysbackie.freeserve.co.uk

A company registered in Scotland, No.240223

 

 

Notes to Editors:

 

[1] Information supplied by Andy Rosie of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency in a letter dated 5^th March 2004.  Find out where your nearest “Toxic Toilet” is via the Salmon Farm Monitor: www.salmonfarmmonitor.org

 

[2] Chemicals licensed for use on Scottish salmon farms:

 

Azamethiphos (282) – an organophosphate described by SEPA as “ten times more toxic than Dichlorvos”.  The European Medicines Evaluation Agency stated in 1999 that “the proposed use of azamethiphos in fish farming means that deliberate contamination of the environment will occur”

 

Cypermethrin (311) - kills lobsters, crabs, mussels and affects wild salmon’s sense of smell and reproduction.  It is classified by the chemical manufacturer as a “Marine Pollutant” and is a suspected carcinogen and hormone disrupting compound (a so-called “gender bender”)

 

Dichlorvos (ca. 20) – finally banned in 2002 by the Department of Health for being carcinogenic.  Dichlorvos is also a known hormone disrupting compound and is classified as a “Red List” chemical under the EC’s Dangerous Substances Directive.  SEPA admit that there are still “about 20” licences for dichlorvos still active in Scotland

 

Emamectin Benzoate (211) – another chemical classified as a “Marine Pollutant” and highly hazardous to shellfish including lobsters.  A SEPA study published in February 2004 found emamectin benzoate residues in sediments under salmon cages and in the flesh of farmed salmon.  Emamectin has also been found in scallops living in the vicinity of salmon farms

 

Formalin (ca. 360) – a known carcinogen.  Formalin is a potent poison and is highly hazardous to marine and freshwater life.  The Scottish Executive admitted in March 2003: “Formalin is permitted subject to consent for its subsequent discharge to the water environment.  In the past five years, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued approximately 360 consents for salmon or trout farms in fresh water and one for a cod farm”

 

Teflubenzuron (212) – another suspected carcinogen and classified as a “marine pollutant”.  Scientific studies have shown that 90% of the chemical is discharged directly into the marine environment.  Teflubenzuron is so persistent in sediments that residues have been detected some 2 years after treatment.  A SEPA study published in February 2004 found teflubenzuron (together with cypermethrin and emamectin benzoate) in 11% of sediments tested under salmon cages

 

Further specific information (including scientific papers) is available upon request

 

[3] Scottish Parliamentary question:

 

S2W-605 - Campbell Martin (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether fish farmers are permitted to use the chemical formalin and, if so, how many discharge consents have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in relation to (a) salmon, (b) trout and (c) cod farms.

Answered by Ross Finnie (16 March 2003): Formalin is permitted subject to consent for its subsequent discharge to the water environment. In the past five years, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued approximately 360 consents for salmon or trout farms in fresh water and one for a cod farm.

 

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/result_WA

 

 

 

 

TOXIC TOILETS – CHEMICALS LICENSED FOR USE ON SCOTTISH SALMON, COD AND HALIBUT FARMS

 

Information supplied by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s Andy Rosie (Tel: 01349 862021) on 5^th March 2004

 

Data sheets supplied in the format of company, site name, grid reference, species and chemicals licensed (unless specified the species is salmon) – the following information is extracted from the raw data (faxed copies of the data in full – 19 pages – is available from Don Staniford: don.staniford@virgin.net):

 

Summary:

 

Since 1998 SEPA have issued 1016 licences: 311 for Cypermethrin, 282 for Azamethiphos, 212 for Teflubenzuron and 211 for Emamectin Benzoate. 

 

Of the 1016 licences issued since 1998 the biggest culprits are: Marine Harvest of Scotland (152), Scottish Seafarms (139), Stolt Sea Farms (82), Lighthouse of Scotland (81), Mainstream of Scotland (69), Loch Duart Ltd (41), WISCO (27), Wester Ross Salmon (20), Lakeland Marine Farm (18), Papil Salmon Ltd (16) and Scord Salmon (16).

 

The 1016 chemical licences involve a total of 59 companies and 316 sites.  177  sites have licence to use all four chemicals (Azamethiphos, Cypermethrin, Emamectin Benzoate and Teflubenzuron) and 139 sites have either one, two or three chemical licences. 

 

 

Specific Information:

 

Sites where all four chemicals (Teflubenzuron, Emamectin Benzoate, Azamethiphos and Cypermethrin) are licensed:

 

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – An Camus: NF 8110 1800

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Ardgour: NN 0150 6450

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Ardintoul Bay: NG 8370 2450

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Ardnish: NM 7550 8150

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Aultbea: NG 8700 8620

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Bunavoneader (inner), Harris/Ardhasaig: NB 1290 0340

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Cairidh: NG 5540 2860

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Callert, Loch Leven: NN 0900 6000

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Camas an Leim, Upper Loch Torridon: NG 8240 5590

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Camas Glas: NM 6440 5880

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Druimnich/Sgeir Port an-t Struthain: NM 6000 6070

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Duich: NG 8860 2360

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Floday/Sron a Ghobhainn, Lewis: NB 1100 3320

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Garvan: NM 9900 7800

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Gasay Island: NF 8000 1860

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Geo Beag, Harris: NB 1130 0080

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Gorsten, Ardgour, Fort William: NN 0600 7050

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Gousam Island: NB 1110 3380

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Greshornish: NG 3500 5530

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Hole Bay, S.Uist: NF 8415 4040

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Invasion Bay: NM 7330 6080

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Isle of Ewe: NG 8360 8850

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Laga Bay: NM 6360 6090

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Loch a Choire/Kingairloch: NM 8520 5230

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Loch a Laip (outer), site 3, Benbecula: NF 8770 4730

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Loch Diabeg: NG 7960 5940

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Loch Grimshader, Lewis: NB 4030 2540

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Loch Seaforth (S or E), Harris: NB 2140 1160

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Loch Shell (outer), Shell A & B, Lemreway, Lewis: NB 3860 1030

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Loch Skipport (outer), Ornish, S.Uist: NF 8550 3850

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Marulaig Bay: NF 8285 1646 (salmon and cod)

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Mid Loch Shell East: NB 3540 1020

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Naast/Ewe: NG 8360 8340

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – North Channel, S.Uist: NF 8400 4085

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Oronsay (Rubha an Asig): NM 5930 5980

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Portnalong, Loch Harport: NG 3400 3600

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Scallastle Bay: NM 6900 3950

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Sconser, Balmeanach Bay: NG 5310 3400

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Snizort/Seal rock: NG 3790 5550

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Soay Sound: NB 0660 0540

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Sron: NG 7850 2550

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – St Molios: NS 0460 2890

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Stattic Point, Little Loch Broom: NG 9790 9610

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Vuia Beg, Lewis: NB 1210 3310

Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Waternish, Loch Bay: NG 2540 5550

 

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Achintraid site 1, Loch Kishorn: NG 8190 3640

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Achnacroish/Walters/Lismore East: NM 8490 4010

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Allt a Chois/North Shore/site 3, Loch Kishorn: NG 7918 3800

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Ardintigh Bay, Site C: NM 7700 9360

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Ardnacross: NM 5400 5150

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Binna Ness: HU 3771 4278

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Bloody Bay: NM 4920 5770

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Brei Geo Inshore: HU 3568 4732

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Brei Geo Offshore: HU 3570 4650

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Camas Doun Point, site 2, Loch Kishorn: NG 8190 3640

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Charlotte Bay: NM 8343 3057

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Creran A: NM 9307 4182

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Creran B: NM 9380 4220

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Dubh Sgeir, Lismore North: NM 8610 4510

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Dunstaffnage: NM 8662 3398

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Earnsaig/Nevis A: NM 7430 9750

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – East of Fore Holm: HU 3549 4504

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – East of Hildasay: HU 3640 4040

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Eilean Fada Mhor, Summer Isles: NB 9760 0780

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Fishnish A: NM 6391 4254

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Fishnish B: NM 6520 4250

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Fiunary: NM 5927 4765

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Oban Bay (Ardentraive, Kerrera A): NM 8450 3030

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Port an t-Struthain (Cutter Rock, Kerrera C): NM 8170 2680

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Port na Moralachd (Lismore A): NM 8664 4541

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Port nan Ledaig (Lismore B): NM 8210 4080

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Shuna, Sound of Shuna: NM 9250 4968

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Spelve A: NM 6770 2670

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Spelve B: NM 6890 2690

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Stoull/Nevis B: NM 7480 9530

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Tanera 2: NB 9940 0740

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Tanera Site 1, Minch/East Bay: NB 9920 0770

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Trouts Ness, Seil Voe: HU 3331 4600

Scottish Seafarms Ltd – Tuath (Rubha na Gall): NM 4190 4130

 

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Caolas, Loch Portain, N.Uist: NF 9486 6945

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Chalabrigh: NB 3800 2220

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Crossbost pier, Lewis: NB 3880 2440

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Eilean Dubh (Vacasay), N.Uist: NF 9690 7470

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Erisort, North Shore: NB 3960 2310

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Ferramus, L.Maddy, N.Uist: NF 9390 6990

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Geocrab, Harris: NG 1180 9040

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Harlosh Point: NG 2820 4010

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Keose Arbhair, Lewis: NB 3790 2250

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Miavaig: NG 1620 9700

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Noster, Harris: NB 2250 0380

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Pecam Bay, Lewis: NB 3940 2170

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Rossay, Harris: NG 2070 9550

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Scotasay, Harris: NG 1850 9770

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Sgeir Bhuidhe/Pecam Bay 3: NB 4030 2190

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Tahay, N.Uist: NF 9580 7530

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Tarner Island: NG 3010 3920

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Trollamaraig, Harris: NB 2150 0130

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – Vacassay, N.Uist: NF 9830 7450

Stolt Sea Farms Ltd – West Loch Bracadale (Bharcasaig): NG 2573 4126

 

Lighthouse Highland Ltd – Aird Ardheslaig, Loch Shieldaig: NG 7880 5620

Lighthouse Highland Ltd – Camas an Eilean: NG 7560 5820

Lighthouse Highland Ltd – Camas Na Sgainadin: NG 6245 2585

Lighthouse Highland Ltd – Caol Fladda: NG 5905 5005

Lighthouse Highland Ltd – Kenmore Bay: NG 7600 5720

Lighthouse Highland Ltd – Loch Arnish: NG 5880 4900 

Lighthouse Highland Ltd – Loch Portree: NG 5000 4420

Lighthouse Highland Ltd – Mid Strome: NG 8700 3580

Lighthouse Highland Ltd – Sgeir Mhor: NG 4955 4345

Lighthouse Highland Ltd – Uig Bay, Isle of Skye: NG 3850 6250

Lighthouse of Scotland Ltd – Ardgaddan: NR 9080 8080

Lighthouse of Scotland Ltd – Gob a Bharra: NR 9040 7680

Lighthouse of Scotland Ltd – Meall Mhor: NR 8650 7450

 

Loch Duart Ltd – Badcall Bay Site 11 (Eilean Riabhach): NC 1500 4090

Loch Duart Ltd – Badcall Bay Site D or 9 (N Rubh a Geisgeil): NC 1570 4080

Loch Duart Ltd – Badcall Bay Site E or 10 (N Eilean na Bearachd): NC 1540 4060

Loch Duart Ltd – Calbha Bay Site 5 (Calbha Beag): NC 1570 3710

Loch Duart Ltd – Calbha Bay Site 6 (East Rubh a Mhucard): NC 1650 3790

Loch Duart Ltd – Calbha Bay Site 7 (N Calba Bay): NC 1660 3750

Loch Duart Ltd – Eilean a Mhadaidh (Site 2): NC 1986 4961

Loch Duart Ltd – Eilean Ard (Site 3): NC 1889 5014

Loch Duart Ltd – Foindle East (Site 1): NC 1990 4920

 

Mainstream Scotland Ltd – Basta Voe North: HU 5232 9585

Mainstream Scotland Ltd – Basta Voe South: HU 5340 9450 (salmon, cod and halibut)

Mainstream Scotland Ltd – Bight of Braewick: HU 3400 5800

Mainstream Scotland Ltd – Bow of Hascosay: HU 5470 9250

Mainstream Scotland Ltd – Bunya Sand: HU 5230 9090

Mainstream Scotland Ltd – Djuba Wick: HU 5570 9310

Mainstream Scotland Ltd – Selie Ness: HU 3480 5980

Mainstream Scotland Ltd – Stead of Aithness: HU 3220 5980

Mainstream Scotland Ltd – Wick of Vatsetter: HU 5340 9020

 

Lakeland Marine Farm – Ardifuir: NR 7840 9760 (cod only)

Lakeland Marine Farm – Bagd Dail nan Ceann: NM 7800 0470

Lakeland Marine Farm – Port a’ Bheacainn: NM 8120 0220

Lakeland Marine Farm – Port na Cro: NM 7610 0940

Lakeland Marine Farm – Port na Moine: NM 8030 0100 (salmon and cod)

Lakeland Marine Farm – Port nan Seannag (former Sgeir Poll nan Corran): NM 7140 0780

 

Wester Ross Salmon – Isle Martin, Ardmair Bay, Loch Kanaird: NH 0990 9920

Wester Ross Salmon – Loch Broom (Corry sites 1&2): NH 1540 9050

Wester Ross Salmon – Loch Glencoul: NC 2470 3180

Wester Ross Salmon – Loch Glendhu/Maldie burn: NC 2470 3380

Wester Ross Salmon – River Kanaird, Ardmair Bay, Loch Kanaird: NH 1100 9910

 

Papil Salmon Ltd – Crooie Site, Site 1: HU 3974 3395 (salmon and cod)

Papil Salmon Ltd – Holms Geo, Site 3: HU 3889 3113

Papil Salmon Ltd – Lippie Geo, Site 2: HU 3940 3285 (salmon and cod)

Papil Salmon Ltd – Teisti Geo: HU 3847 2941

 

Scord Salmon – Buddascord: HU 3425 6375

Scord Salmon – Burki Taing: HU 3117 6251

Scord Salmon – Muckle Roe East/Heights: HU 3443 6565

Scord Salmon – North Knowe, Greentaing: HU 3460 6420

 

Finfish Ltd – Ghlas Mhor: NG 5640 3080 (salmon, cod and halibut)

Finfish Ltd – Loch an Sal: NC 0615 1636 (salmon, cod and halibut)

Finfish Ltd – Poll Loisgann: NC 0688 1620

 

Uyeasound Salmon Co – Uyeasound, Site 1: HP 5946 0023 

Uyeasound Salmon Co – Uyeasound, Site 2: HP 5958 0069

Uyeasound Salmon Co – Uyeasound, Site 3: HP 5900 0040 

 

A&P Tait – Breiwick Site: HU 2600 4802

A&P Tait – South West Heockness: HU 2520 4730

 

Carloway Seafoods Ltd – Carloway North (Laimishader, Dunan site 1): NB 1850 4240

Carloway Seafoods Ltd – Carloway South (Port Naduna, Dunan site 2): NB 1840 4160

 

North Atlantic Fisheries College – Kallee Ness, Clift Sound: HU 3938 3539 (cod and halibut)

North Atlantic Fisheries College – Lee of Tronda: HU 3995 3687

 

Salar Ltd – Sandavaig, S.Uist: NF 8360 4270

Salar Ltd – South Ford, S.Uist: NF 8350 4400

 

Westside Salmon Company – Brindister Crossroads: HU 2950 5850

Westside Salmon Company – Brindister Voe, Aith: HU 2860 5760

 

Annat Bay Marine Ltd – Annat Bay South: NH 0230 9750

 

Ardvar Salmon Ltd – Reintraid: NC 1960 3340

 

Bressay Salmon Ltd – Holm of Gunnista: HU 5025 4437 (salmon and halibut)

 

Cro Lax Ltd – North of Papa, W of Scalloway: HU 3660 3838

 

Ferguson Salmon – Maol Ban, Loch Ainort: NG 5640 3080

 

Glendale Salmon – Leinish Bay: NG 2040 5120

 

Gonfirth Salmon Ltd – Cole Deep: HU 3580 6317

 

Hasvisk Ltd – Easter Score Holm, S. Foraness: HU 3530 4340 (salmon, cod and halibut)

 

Hoove Salmon – South Havra: HU 3670 2680

 

Hunter Salmon – West Taing, Dales Voe: HU 4410 7095

 

Laxfirth Voe (Salmon) – South Voe of Gletness: HU 4658 5068

 

Lewis Salmon Ltd – Arbhair: NB 4080 2420

 

Rona Salmon Ltd – Port an Teampuill: NG 6110 5420

 

Setterness Salmon – Setterness West, Poseidon Site: HU 4740 7080

 

Shetland Marine Salmon – Sparl: HU 3570 6630

 

Skelda Salmon – Spoose Holm: HU 3526 3816

 

 

The SEPA data also lists sites where three, two and one of the chemicals (Teflubenzuron, Emamectin Benzoate, Azamethiphos and Cypermethrin) are licensed.  Faxed copies of the data in full – 19 pages – is available from Don Staniford (don.staniford@virgin.net) or via SEPA: www.sepa.org.uk