MSPs seek more information on effect of pump storage hydro schemes on salmon in Scottish lochs including Loch Ness
MSPs have asked for further information regarding the impact of pump storage hydro developments on Scottish lochs holding wild Atlantic salmon.
It follows consideration of a petition initiated by the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board (DSFB) by the Scottish Parliament’s Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee.
The fishery board, which has concerns about the impact on the ecology of Loch Ness from new and larger pump storage hydro developments, is calling for a halt on further developments.
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Its petition called “on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to create a moratorium on any further development of pump storage hydro operations on Scottish lochs holding wild Atlantic salmon until the impact of such developments on wild Atlantic salmon migrations is understood”.
The committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government to ask whether it is assured that pump storage hydro schemes are not having a significant impact on wild Atlantic salmon as well as reaching out to academics at the Centre for Water Law.
Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing, who addressed the committee, said there was a great deal of support for pump storage hydro schemes and he was among the most enthusiastic supporters.
But he also acknowledged there were concerns.
“The right time to bottom out these issue is now - not after things are too late,” he said.
Mr Ewing, who said he did not know the answers, also wanted to see the study work carried out developers in the interests of openness and transparency.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Edward Mountain also called for more information on the impact of pump storage hydro schemes.
“Pump storage hydro schemes will play an important part in our route to net zero but we need to understand the impact they will have on the environment,” he said.
“Until we do, we must follow the precautionary principles and pause for more information.”
The Ness DSFB says is not against pump storage hydro per se, but it believes strongly that any such schemes should be located where the environmental, and societal, risks are lower.
It also says it is aware of several other locations in Scotland, which are already under consideration, which appear to be far more suitable sites and which have significant storage, and generation, capacity.
