On behalf of Councillors Margaret Davidson & David Fraser we just want to say we share the community anger and frustration with MOWI and their failure to move the fish cages.
MOWI applied for permission to move the cages to make way for the future Red John pumped storage scheme. They were granted permission for an alternative site close to the shore. We are not aware of any time pressure on MOWI to move the cages at the start of this summer, however and despite low Loch levels, they chose to do so. When MOWI tried to move to the approved area they found that the water levels were too low, so moored the cages in the current position. At that time it would have been easy to seek guidance on the suitability of this location, or simply moved the cages back to the original location. They did neither and despite an immediate outcry about the location MOWI filled the cages with fish and started to claim they could not be moved as a consequence of the fish being in the cage.
Highland Council planning department have taken enforcement action against MOWI and were in dialogue with them very soon after the cages were moved. This will result in the cages getting moved. Just not in the timescale that the community, or us, would wish. This is not due to any omission by the planners but a consequence of the way the planning regulations work.
As Councillors we do not accept that MOWI cannot move the cages before January, it may be expensive but we are sure it must be technically possible and without damage to the environment or fish welfare. The current location is totally unacceptable but MOWI must ensure that in arriving at a solution there is no escape of fish into Loch Ness.
We have been in contact with the Chief Executive of MOWI regarding the Dores fish farm and we are writing again this week demanding urgent action to resolve the situation”
Councillor David Fraser
Aird and Loch Ness
Mobile 077 913 90792