Marine energy risk to salmon studied – Fisheries Management Scotland

Scientists are examining what impact marine energy devices planned for the Pentland Firth might have on migrating Atlantic salmon. The fish pass through the firth between the Scottish mainland and Orkney when they leave rivers for open sea and later return to breed.

The Crown Estate is funding the research by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). Sites in the firth have been earmarked for renewable energy projects. The Crown Estate owns 50% of Scotland’s foreshore and almost all the seabed out to 12 nautical miles.

It has leased a number of locations in the Pentland Firth to companies for the development of wave and tidal energy devices.