Scotland's Atlantic salmon output grew by 5,836 tonnes to 197,836 tonnes in 2025, driven by higher harvest weights, improved survival rates and greater numbers of fish, according to the Scottish Government's annual fish farm production survey. Smolt production also surged 20%, while rainbow trout output fell sharply following Mowi Scotland's acquisition of Dawnfresh.
Scotland's environmental regulator SEPA has formally incorporated environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis into its regulatory process for monitoring seabed condition around salmon farms, cutting assessment time from around 16 weeks to around six weeks and allowing operators to use eDNA results as evidence of compliance.
Scottish salmon farmer Cooke Scotland reported a 49% fall in net profit to £6.1 million in 2025, down from £12 million in 2024, as a decline in salmon prices more than offset higher sales volumes. Its parent, Cooke Aquaculture UK Holdings, saw an even steeper 60% profit decline. Feed costs and fuel remain key risk factors cited by directors in the annual report.