Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Report Volume 13 No

This report describes the results of a genetic survey undertaken in 2020 and 2021 of salmon obtained from rivers in areas of Scotland and England local to the Carradale North fish farm which shifted position after its seabed anchors became dislodged during Storm Ellen which resulted in 48,834 farmed Atlantic salmon escaping into the wild. The study used genetic techniques to quantify the levels of farm/wild hybrid fish in salmon fry (young of the year) produced in the spawning season following the escape event. Levels of hybridisation are reported in the area in the context of the specifics of the particular escape event and the wider picture of farm/wild genetic interactions in Scotland.