The unique difference in our production methodology is that each sea loch is fallowed for a complete for year in every three. As in traditional rotation in land farming, one full year of fallowing allows natural cleansing and regeneration.

This year-long fallowing policy, believed to be unique, is just part of a total husbandry approach which maximises the health and welfare of the fish and minimises environmental impact.

The example below shows the fallowing system in practice in our three most northerly sites.

Year 1 In production: Calbha   Laxford Fallow: Badcall		Year 2 In production: Badcall   Calbha Fallow: Laxford		Year 3 In production: Laxford   Badcall Fallow: Calbha

Other key aspects of the Loch Duart 'Best Practice' approach are:

Significantly lower stocking densities than current industry standards and specifications. This gives the fish the space to grow naturally.

A feeding regime which mimics the irregular feeding of fish in the natural environment. This allows periods of rest and reduces feed waste.

No growth promoters or antibiotics are used.

No anti-foulants are used. The fish swim to a new enclosure every six weeks, allowing the nets to wind dry to remove marine growth.

All feed comes from sustainable non-GM* sources which are constantly and carefully monitored.
(*below the limit of detection)

All stock is traceable to eggs and forebears.

The overall objective is to create as natural a life-cycle as possible and here the skill and experience of our people makes a major difference. Good husbandry requires attitude and dedication as well as sound techniques.

Safety and conservation are also important at Loch Duart. High mooring specifications and nets which are replaced every two cycles minimise escapes and deter predators.

We work closely with local estates and angling associations under an Area Management Agreement and catches of wild fish appear to be on the increase in some local rivers. Loch Duart signed the first Area Management Agreement to be completed in Scotland which has now been followed by many others.

In short, we are doing everything that can be done for the welfare of the fish and to preserve the environment.

This has consequences - our production level of 3600 tonnes p.a. is roughly half the full capacity of the Loch Duart sites possible under more intensive regimes.

We believe low-volume high-quality production is the way of the future for the salmon industry - especially as consumer knowledge about food quality and animal welfare increases.

LRQA ISO 14001 Recertification

Dear all,

I am pleased to be able to announce that Loch Duart has just passed its 3 year recertification for LRQA ISO 14001. The Sound of Harris is now included on the certificate

We had zero non-compliances (major and minor) in both Sutherland and Uist.

At the closing meeting particular mention was made of the requirement for continual improvement and how well this was being met in Loch Duart Scotland (the lice recapture being a highlight). The waste management and record keeping was commended. The CPAR system was given a mention in so much as it was obviously well embedded and utilised within the Loch Duart systems.
  
Congratulations all involved for a good job.

Regards

Mark Woods
Director (Sutherland)

ISO 14001

The ISO 14001 reflects the fact that all organisations undertake activities that have an impact on the environment. It is awarded to organisations that demonstrate effective environmental management, compliance with legislation and total commitment to continuous improvement.

We have always had a strong commitment to minimising our impact on the environment and achieving ISO 14001 demonstrates this commitment further.

The internationally-recognised ISO 14001 standard provides a template for the three key targets of our Environmental Management System (EMS):

1) to prevent pollution.

2) to comply with all relevant environmental legislation.

3) to demonstrate continual environmental improvement.

This was achieved by establishing an environmental policy with operational controls as well as by setting targets and objectives for environmental improvement.

Environmental Policy Statement

Loch Duart Ltd (LDL) & Drumbeg Salmon Ltd (DSL), a subsidiary, are a salmon farming companies based in Scourie & Drumbeg, Sutherland. The farm comprises 9 sea sites, 2 hatcheries, a freshwater loch, 2 engineering workshop and offices. LDL/DSL produces 3600 tonnes of salmon per year and employs a seasonal maximum of 57 people across these sites.

LDL/DSL recognises that in our day to day operations we impact on the environment. We have identified a series of significant aspects and are committed to reducing our effects on the environment through continual improvement and prevention of pollution.

IN PARTICULAR WE SHALL:

• Ensure our operations will be governed by the principles of sustainability and long term care for the environment and welfare of our fish.
  
• Undertake farming activities in a manner designed to prevent pollution and limit the possible threats to wildlife.
  
• Adopt an environmental strategy for salmon farming, operating a policy of "best practice" and ensuring continual and long term improvements. Comply with applicable legal requirements and other requirements to which we subscribe, in relation to our environmental aspects.
  
• Audit operations on a regular basis to identify strengths and areas for improvement and highlight actions required to prevent potential deficiencies.
  
• Continue training to improve knowledge and awareness of all employees in order to increase their understanding of the relations between our activities and the environment. This includes communication of this policy to all staff and to any interested external parties.
  
• Maintain certification to the internationally recognised environmental management system ISO 14001.

WE INTEND TO REDUCE OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THROUGH CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS IN:

• Containment and storage of oils, fuels, medicines and any other hazardous materials.
  
• Minimising any environmental impact caused by the waste the company operations may generate.
  
• Adoption of waste minimisation initiatives.
  
• Adoption of "Best Practice" through continual review of company routines.

Nicholas H. Joy, Managing Director.