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SEPA offer helping hand to marine vessel on Loch Sunart 

The Sir John Murray (SJM) and its associated small craft Iona, operated by SEPA in partnership with Marine Directorate, were alerted when the nearby Nitrox, operated by salmon producer Mowi Scotland, experienced difficulties after a rope became entangled in its propeller.  

The skipper called for assistance from the SJM and the Iona, which responded immediately to help free the vessel’s propeller and restore propulsion before continuing planned survey work as part of routine monitoring to support the regulation of marine finfish farms.  

Peter Pollard, Head of Ecology at SEPA, said: “SEPA’s job is to protect the marine environment for the people of Scotland. We carry out marine surveys to assess the individual and cumulative environmental performance of fish farms and ensure all operators meet strict compliance requirements.

“This essential work, which takes our team all over Scotland, is underpinned by cooperation. Safety on the water is a top priority and we are always prepared to lend a helping hand to vessels in need of assistance.”  

A spokesperson for Mowi said: “Our Nitrox vessel was engaged in seabed survey sampling operations when she experienced propulsion issues. The skipper was very grateful for the assistance provided by both SEPA vessels and we would like to thank the crews for their quick response."

At 24 metres in length, the SJM is the largest vessel in SEPA’s marine survey fleet and has contributed to many scientific surveys over the past 20 years. The ship is equipped with an on-board laboratory and is used for multiple purposes, including water sampling and seabed mapping.  

A spokesperson for Marine Directorate said: “The marine environment is a very challenging place to work, especially in close proximity to fish farms. The Marine Directorate staff, operating the SJM with SEPA, responded to the emergency quickly and decisively which ultimately prevented further complications.  

“A collaborative approach, as exemplified on Loch Sunart, is vital to ensure the protection of our marine environment and promote the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector.”  

Peter Pollard added: “Marine surveys develop our understanding of the environmental risks associated with finfish aquaculture, and how they can be effectively mitigated.

“A high-quality marine environment is vital to Scotland’s aquaculture sector, and we maintain this by ensuring the aquaculture industry meets environmental standards.”

Notes to Editor

• SEPA regulate discharges of organic matter, medicine residues and other chemicals and interactions between sea lice from farmed fish on wild salmon. Read more about SEPA’s role in regulating the aquaculture industry on our website. 
• SEPA’s powers to deliver these functions are defined under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR).