Tesco Investigates Trout Escape

SCOTLAND - An urgent investigation into the escape of 4,000 farmed trout into one of Scotland's most famous salmon rivers is underway by multiple retailer Tesco.

Reporting for Scotland on Sunday, Murdo MacLeod says the supermarket may drop the Scottish fish supplier that's under review, if it is found to be in breech of its contractual obligations.

In a letter to the local salmon fishermen, Tesco said that there was a number of actions it could enforce, including a non-conformance action plan, suspension of supply, or permanent removal from our supply base.

Fury

Furious anglers on the River Awe in Argyll complained that the non-native species found in the river risked damaging its ecology for years by eating young salmon. The escape of 4,000 rainbow trout happened on 29 February this year.

Ministers have also hit out at the firm and said the loss of the fish is "completely unacceptable".

Roger Brook, the chairman of the Argyll Fishery Board, said that the escapes have completely ruined the river for salmon fishing.

The company responsible, ScotTrout, has blamed the escape on bad weather and strom damage to one of its cage installations. It said it deeply regretted the incident and has been working closely with aquaculture specialists to review farm operations with respect to the sensitive and emotional issues associated with its operations.

View the Scotland on Sunday story by clicking here.

TheFishSite News Desk

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