Shetland fish farm moves to protect stock from seals

Balta Island Seafare Ltd is to install two new electronic seal scarers and introduce stronger nets at its sites off Unst, BBC News reports.

It said the move would give better protection to salmon stocks. The company operates a total of four marine farming sites off the coast of Unst.

The project is being supported with funding by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the European Fisheries Fund.

Christopher Ritch, from Balta Island Seafare, said: "We have had some success deterring seals with electronic scarers, and these new scarers should exclude seals from an even bigger area around the cages.

"Together with the stronger nets, I think this will go a long way towards allowing us to farm in harmony with the local nature and keep the company growing."