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# New Orkney Salmon Farm Gets Green Light for Sustainable Planning
- URL: https://cibocom.ghost.io/new-orkney-salmon-farm-gets-green-light-for-sustainable-planning-2/
- Published: 2021-04-21T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T15:02:50.000Z
- Author: Cibocom
- Tags: Cooke Scotland, fish

On September 8, 2022, in Kirkwall, Scotland, UK, the Orkney Islands Council Planning Committee gave the green light to Cooke Aquaculture Scotland Ltd. for the establishment of a six-cage salmon farming site off the coast of East Moclett, Papa Westray, in the North Sound. Joel Richardson, the company's Vice President of Public Relations, expressed gratitude for the Planning Committee's reliance on comprehensive technical and scientific evaluations from all statutory consultation bodies, none of which raised any objections. He emphasized that farm-raised Scottish salmon has one of the smallest carbon footprints among all animal proteins, and that Cooke Aquaculture Scotland is dedicated to setting the highest standards for responsible harvesting and sustainable practices in all areas of their operations. The statutory consultation bodies involved in the process included: Historic Environment Scotland Marine Scotland (representing Scottish Ministers) Scottish Water Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) NatureScot (previously known as Scottish Natural Heritage) Papa Westray Community Council The Planning Committee acknowledged that the proposed salmon farm underwent a rigorous evaluation by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), which did not raise any concerns or objections. Richardson stated that the company has taken into account the valid concerns raised by the Papa Westray Community Council and local residents, and will maintain open communication with them to ensure the new farm site adheres to all relevant regulations and best practices. He added that as one of the largest employers in Orkney and the Northern Isles, Cooke Aquaculture Scotland aims to maximize economic and social benefits. The proposed fish farm was also evaluated against all applicable policies of the Orkney Local Development Plan and other relevant planning considerations. The Orkney Islands Council concurred with their planning staff's conclusion that the objections raised by various parties did not carry enough weight to warrant rejection. Richardson further noted that despite the spread of misinformation about the UK's top food export, farm-raised Scottish salmon, by various campaigners, the approval of the project clearly shows that these claims are misleading. He stressed the importance of providing skilled, well-paid jobs for the people of Orkney and their families to sustain remote communities. He concluded by saying, "No farmers – no food." Cooke Aquaculture Scotland plans to recruit and train six new local employees to operate the East Moclett site from the company's Westray shorebase in 2023\. For further information, please contact: Joel Richardson Vice President, Public Relations Cooke Inc. / for Cooke Aquaculture Scotland Ltd. 40 Wellington Row, Saint John, N.B. E2L 3H3 M: +1-506-721-1093 / T: +1-506-694-4938 joel.richardson@cookeaqua.com