More than 35 million salmon died unexpectedly on Scottish fish farms between January 2023 and October 2025. According to recent reports, officials carried out only two unannounced inspections during a similar timeframe. None of the 20 farms with the highest death rates received a visit from inspectors.

Animal welfare advocates have criticized the current oversight system, arguing that a lack of monitoring allows problems to go unnoticed. They pointed out that regulators have not issued a single formal warning, even after receiving multiple complaints.

The Scottish parliament's rural affairs committee is scheduled to question salmon farming executives about these figures. Meanwhile, industry spokespeople maintain that their farmers follow strict rules and operate to high standards.