Genetic monitoring for escapes from Atlantic salmon smolt cages

The UHI Rivers and Lochs institute is working with MOWI Scotland to monitor escapes from their loch-situated freshwater smolt pens. By comparing the genetic profiles of wild-sampled juveniles and those in the pens, recent escapes can be detected and traced back to the source cohort. The hybrid offspring of wild and escaped fish can also be detected using this method. The aim of this project is to minimize the risk of genetic and demographic impacts of escaped aquaculture fish on the local wild Atlantic salmon. The project forms part of MOWI Scotland’s ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of its salmon aquaculture operations and satisfy the criteria for Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification.