Fish reared in proposed Cleethorpes salmon farm may taste 'murky' warns animal welfare group

The logo of Compassion in World Farming which opposes the Cleethorpes proposal 

OBJECTIONS are mounting to proposed construction of an indoor salmon-rearing ‘farm’ off the Humber Bank on the outskirts of Cleethorpes.

Among the latest consultees to slam the controversial project is the Surrey-based welfare organisation, Compassion in World Farming, which believes it would lead to suffering for the fish.

Says CWF's UK chief, Nick Palmer: "Animal welfare is not usually deemed relevant in planning applications, but  we believe it should be an important consideration.

"This land-based recirculation aquaculture system is likely to lead to poor welfare of the fish for the following reasons:

* Salmon farms often pack a large number of fish into relatively small spaces, which can lead to stress, increased disease prevalence, and impaired growth.

* Salmon can be exposed to low quality water which can cause  decreased kidney function, disrupt salt balance, inflammation of the stomach, swelling of the kidney, damage to the anus, haemorrhage and can result in poor flesh quality and high mortality.

* There is a lack of research into the impact on welfare of removing salmon from their natural environment and rearing them in a completely artificial environment, one with artificial light, non-changing water currents and noise .

Compassion in World Farming also argues that indoor farmed salmon tend to have a 'murky' taste, not pleasant to consumers, though this is unlikely to be a planning consideration.

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust has also lodged an objection as have nearby householders - and even some as far away as in Scotland.

However, among the 100-plus organisations and individuals to have commented on the application, there have also been many in support on the basis that the development will create jobs and help enhance the area’s status as a fish processing town.