Fish farm off Cava gets go ahead

Proposals for a fish farm off Cava have been backed by Orkney Islands Council.

At today’s meeting of the planning and protective services committee, members agreed to grant approval on a four-year temporary basis, despite a number of objections.

The application, from Mainstream Scotland Ltd, proposes a 24 hectare site to the south east of Cava, comprising of 12 cages, each with a 90 metre circumference, and a 75 tonne capacity feed barge.

Objections were heard from Orkney Fisheries Association, the Sea Trout Group, and the Salmon and Trout Association, on the grounds of an anticipated adverse effect on wild sea trout populations, from sea lice, and resulting damage caused by escaping salmon, as well as concerns about the impact on the recreational and tourist fishing economy.

Although the original application was for a permanent grant, subject to conditions, committee members voted for a temporary term, in order to monitor the impact of the development.