ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

NORTH ARRAN MARINE FISH FARM

Prepared By:

Arcus Consultancy Services

7th Floor 144 West George Street Glasgow G2 2HG

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Non-Technical Summary North Arran Marine Fish Farm

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

2 THE APPLICANT ...... 1

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE REVISED DEVELOPMENT ...... 1

4 ALTERNATIVE SITES AND DESIGN ...... 2 4.1 Disease Management ...... 2

5 GENERAL AQUACULTURE INTERATCTIONS WITH THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 2

6 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ...... 2 6.1 Benthic (Seabed) Habitats ...... 2 6.2 Water Column Impacts ...... 2 6.3 Interactions with Predators ...... 2 6.4 Interactions with Wild Salmonids ...... 3 6.5 Impacts on Species or Habitats of Conservation Importance ...... 3 6.6 Habitat Regulation Appraisal ...... 4 6.7 Navigation, Anchorage, Commercial Fisheries, Other Non-Recreational Maritime Uses ...... 4 6.8 Seascape Landscape and Visual Impacts ...... 4 6.9 Social and Economic Assessment ...... 5

7 CONCLUSION ...... 6

Scottish Salmon Company Arcus Consultancy Services September 2020 Page i Non-Technical Summary North Arran Marine Fish Farm

GLOSSARY

ABBREVIATION DESCRIPTION BAP Best Aquaculture Practice CAR Controlled Activities Regulations DMA Disease Management Area EIAR Environmental Impact Assessment Report EMP Environmental Management Plan GVA Gross Value Added HRA Habitats Regulations Appraisal ISLMP Integrated Sea Lice Management Plan LCA Landscape Character Assessment NAC Council NTS Non-Technical Summary NSA National Scenic Area PMF Priority Marine Feature SAC Special Area of Conservation SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency SLA Special Landscape Area SLVIA Seascape and Landscape Visual Impact Assessment SNH Scottish Natural Heritage SPA Special Protection Area SSC The Scottish Salmon Company

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1 INTRODUCTION The Scottish Salmon Company (‘SSC’) has applied for a variation to the planning permission to build a new marine fish farm of reduced scale, to be known as North Arran (‘the Revised Development’) comprising of 12 x 120 m circumference fish pens and associated infrastructure to the north-east of Arran (‘the Site’). The Environmental Impact Assessment Report (‘EIA Report’) and the Additional Environmental Information Report (‘AEI Report’) accompanies the application for the Revised Development. The Scoping process was undertaken in early 2019 with the Scoping Opinion received on the 1st May 2019. Issues raised through the scoping process have been addressed in full in the EIA Report to specifically identify where significant effects on the environment may occur, in relation to the original site layout of 20 x 120 m circumference fish pens (‘the Proposed Development’), and propose mitigation measures as appropriate. Issues raised further to the EIA Report, following submission, have been fully addressed in the AEI Report following the Revised Development. This Non-Technical Summary (‘NTS’) is an update to the previous NTS submitted with the EIA Report in August 2019 and is intended to be read alongside the variation application and associated figures, maps and plans for the Revised Development.

2 THE APPLICANT There is no change, the description of SSC remains the same as described in the NTS, submitted in August 2019.

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE REVISED DEVELOPMENT The Revised Development would be located off the north-east coast of the in an expanse of open water in the as illustrated in NTS Figures A1 and A2. NTS Figure A3 compares the Proposed Development with the Revised Development. The Revised Development has been reduced in number of pens from 20 x 120 m circumference pens, as submitted in August 2019, to 12 x 120 m circumference fish pens with associated infrastructure. The pens would be held in two groups of 6, orientated parallel to the coastline. The two groups of 6 are symmetrical either side of the feed barge, with a total surface area of 13,753 m2, reduced from 22,922 m2 as per the Proposed Development. The total moorings area would be approximately 1 km2. A proposed production cycle was based on 5,000 tonnes (‘T’) for the Proposed Development. Following changes to the Revised Development, an updated production cycle based on 2,300 T maximum standing biomass is expected. As was the case with the Proposed Development, the Revised Development would operate for 22 out of every 24 months as stated in the EIA Report. The proposed harvesting and processing to take place at SSC’s Ardyne and Cairndow sites respectively is unchanged from the EIA Report. Following the Revised Development, enhanced management measures now exclude the SeaSpine. SSC continues to recognise good practice through their dedicated team of biologists and veterinary services throughout the lifetime of the Revised Development. As such, an updated Environmental Management Plan (‘EMP’) has been produced in line with the Revised Development. As part of the development plans, SSC is looking to recruit an additional six full-time equivalent members of staff in the area which would support 31 supply chain jobs and six wider economy jobs across with a total Gross Value Added (‘GVA’) for the Scottish Economy of over £5.9 million per year.

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4 ALTERNATIVE SITES AND DESIGN As described in the previous NTS submitted in 2019, SSC supports sustainable growth across the west coast of Scotland and the Outer Hebrides. In particular SSC is looking to balance its production both geographically and by generation in order to utilise existing infrastructure and to offer a consistent supply of fish to customers. SSC has considered a number of alternative locations for deploying or expanding marine fish farming facilities. Following the submission of the EIA Report, discussions with key consultees were undertaken to advise an acceptable development layout. As such, the Revised Development has been informed by a number of factors through an iterative design process. The guiding principle of the Revised Development has been to deliver sustainable growth through improved stock welfare, with the key objectives including improving fish health and welfare; • Operating securely in higher energy sites; • Enhancing the safety of SSC staff, visitors and equipment; and • Ensuring environmental impacts are assessed, mitigated and monitored. The Revised Development would continue to offer a significant opportunity to become an exemplar of lowering environmental impact per tonne of production.

4.1 Disease Management The Revised Development remains outwith any current Disease Management Area (‘DMA’). As such, there is no change to this Section of the updated NTS as describe previously. It is therefore demonstrated that the Revised Development does not cause a risk to either the extent or management of existing DMAs, rather a risk is created when the proposed sites are also considered.

5 GENERAL AQUACULTURE INTERACTIONS WITH THE ENVIRONMENT Further to the submission of the EIA Report, consultation with individual statutory consultees has been undertaken to agree the layout of the Revised Development and provide additional information on the areas that required further assessment. Where consultees have requested specific information, surveys or reports, SSC have provided these as Technical Appendices to support the submission of the variation application for the Revised Development.

6 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Potentially significant environmental effects have been re-assessed in line with the Revised Development and are outlined below.

6.1 Benthic (Seabed) Habitats There is no change; effects predicted on Benthic (Seabed) Habitats in relation to the Revised Development remain not significant.

6.2 Water Column Impacts Data was indicative of a moderately flushed site, typical of an open location, which was considered suitable for a development of the size and nature proposed. The Site was characterised by low tidal current velocities, but with a strong forcing effect from meteorological conditions. Results of the then monitoring indicated that there was low resuspension at the site with little export of released solids. This remains valid for the Revised Development.

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Following updated modelling, nutrient release from the Revised Development would be within acceptable levels at 0.54% of the SEPA Environmental Quality Standard; this represents a reduction from the 1.3% stated within the EIA Report. Therefore, the predicted effects on the Water Column in relation to the Revised Development remain not significant, and reduced from those effects originally assessed.

6.3 Interactions with Predators A number of mammal and bird species known to predate marine fish farms were recorded in close proximity to the Proposed Development, and included protected species such as otter, divers and seals. The most commonly recorded of these species were various gull species and grey heron. Potential impacts on predators included accidental mortality via net entanglement and seal mortality via licensed dispatch. These remain valid for the Revised Development, with the exception of seal dispatch which the Animals and Wildlife (A&W) (Scotland) Act 20201 repeals and bans. Following embedded mitigation, including the updated Predator Control Plan (‘PCP’) and Acoustic Deterrent Device (‘ADD’) Deployment Plan, as well as the banning of seal dispatch, it has been determined that the magnitude of predicted effects would likely be lower than those already non-significant effects predicted in the EIA Report. Therefore, the predicted effects on Predators in relation to the Revised Development remain not significant, albeit reduced from those effects originally assessed.

6.4 Interactions with Wild Salmonids The Proposed Development was outwith the likely key wild salmonid migration routes within the Firth of Clyde and Sound of Bute. Therefore, the magnitude of potential impacts on wild salmonid populations through spread of disease, including sea lice, and risk of escapees was considered to be low. This remains the case for the Revised Development. A report to inform an Appropriate Assessment (‘sAA’) investigated in further detail the potential effects of sea lice interactions and interactions with farmed fish escapees on the salmon population of the Endrick Water Special Area of Conservation (‘SAC’) as a result of the Development. The information within the sAA, although not submitted as part of the EIA Report, provides further support for the conclusions reached within the EIA Report and the AEI Report. Following embedded mitigation, including the updated EMP and ongoing monitoring, it has been determined that the magnitude of predicted effects would likely be lower than those already non-significant effects predicted in the EIA Report. Therefore, the predicted effects on Wild Salmonids in relation to the Revised Development remain not significant, albeit reduced from those effects originally assessed.

6.5 Impacts on Species or Habitats of Conservation Importance The Proposed Development had the potential to impact species and habitats of conservation priority. The assessment presented in the EIA Report focuses on marine mammals and with potential impact on other species and habitats. The EIA Report and AEI Report both support the fact that several marine mammals have been recorded in close proximity to both the Proposed Development and Revised Development, and included basking shark, bottle-nosed dolphin, common dolphin, harbour porpoise and minke whale. All of the species are European Protected Species.

1 Scottish Parliament. (2020). Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020. [Online] Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2020/14/chapter/1/crossheading/conservation-of-seals/enacted (Accessed 27/08/2020)

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Potential impacts from the Revised Development remain the same as those presented in the EIA Report and include: accidental net entanglement; contaminants; underwater noise and collision with marine vessels. The above marine species are considered likely to be present only seasonally or occasionally. Following embedded mitigation, including the updated PCP, it has been determined that the magnitude of predicted effects would likely be lower than those already non-significant effects predicted in the EIA Report. Therefore, the predicted effects on Species or Habitats of Conservation Importance in relation to the Revised Development remain not significant, albeit reduced from those effects originally assessed.

6.6 Habitat Regulation Appraisal Under the Habitats Regulations (European Union Council Directive 92/43/EEC), it must be considered whether a development will have a ‘likely significant effect’ on a Natura site, which includes SAC, Special Protection Areas (‘SPA’) and Ramsar Sites. This is known as Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA). In the EIA Report, an HRA Screening was carried out within the EIA process; this included assessment of the potential effects on the integrity of the following designated sites: Arran Moors SPA, Knapdale Lochs SPA, South-East Islay Skerries Special SAC and Endrick Water SAC. The potential for effects were considered unlikely for all sites. As a result, these designated sites were scoped out of further assessment as part of the EIA process. As mentioned in Section 6.4 of this NTS, an sAA) was submitted to Scottish Natural Heritage (‘SNH’) (now NatureScot) and North Ayrshire Council (‘NAC’). The sAA concluded ‘no adverse effects’ on the Endrick Water SAC. The determination of ‘likely significant effects’ on Natura 2000 Sites presented in the EIA Report (with the exception of the Endrick Water SAC) remains valid, as does the conclusion of ‘no adverse effects’ on the Endrick Water SAC detailed within the sAA. Following embedded mitigation, including the updated Environmental Management Plan, it has been determined that the magnitude of predicted effects would likely be lower than those already non-significant and non-adverse effects predicted in the EIA Report and sAA, respectively. Therefore, the predicted effects on HRA in relation to the Revised Development remain not significant albeit reduced from those effects originally assessed in the EIA Report.

6.7 Navigation, Anchorage, Commercial Fisheries, Other Non-Recreational Maritime Uses There is no change; effects predicted on Navigation, Anchorage, Commercial Fisheries and Other Non-Recreational Maritime Uses in relation to the Revised Development remain not significant.

6.8 Seascape Landscape and Visual Impacts It was concluded in the EIA Report that there would be significant effects on seascape Landscape and Visual Impacts as a result of the Proposed Development; this remains the case for the Revised Development. As with the Proposed Development, there is embedded mitigation for the Revised Development; this embedded mitigation is further strengthened in the Revised Development due to the reduction in pens from 20 to 12. Additionally, the feed barge design has also been changed to emulate a fishing vessel, helping to assimilate the structure to the seascape. Despite the strengthened embedded mitigation, as stated, the Revised Development still gives rise to significant effects on a limited number of receptors with visibility of the Revised

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Development; however, it is assessed that the receiving landscape is of such a scale that is has the capacity to absorb the Revised Development. Therefore, the concluded effects predicted on Seascape Landscape and Visual Impacts in relation to the Revised Development remain unchanged from those concluded in the EIA Report for the Proposed Development. As such, the effects are the same as described in the EIA Report.

6.9 Social and Economic Assessment Key findings of the assessment have shown that the Proposed Development would have a significant positive, inclusive impact across Scotland’s aquaculture supply chain in Arran, , North Ayrshire, and the Central Belt. It is estimated that the Revised Development would contribute at least £5.9 million to Scotland per year, proportionately down from £8.1 million for the Proposed Development and is projected to support a total of 37 jobs; 31 in the sector, and a further 6 in wider economy. As stated in the EIA Report, the Proposed Development was expected to create economic diversification by contributing non-tourism sectors in order to create a more sustainable economy on the island; this remains the case for the Revised Development. The creation of employment and career opportunities, outwith the tourism industry, that are non- seasonal, high security, and full-time, would also help to diversify the economy on Arran. The AEI Report references a Tourism Interactions Report (November 2019) which concluded that there was no evidence to support the premise that salmon farm development had a negative impact on tourism. Overall, the Revised Development is anticipated to be a positive step towards economic diversification, resilience (particularly during times of crisis/substantial changes such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit), creation of more diverse and sustainable employment opportunities, and supporting the island’s housing issues. Social and economic impacts from the Revised Development therefore remain the same as outlined in the EIA Report.

6.10 Other Issues

6.10.1 Farm Management The Revised Development is outwith any current DMA; therefore, in line with the EIA Report it is demonstrated that the Revised Development does not cause a risk to either the extent or management of existing DMAs.

6.10.2 Noise The Revised Development is located off the north-east coast of the Isle of Arran in an expanse of open water in the Firth of Clyde. As with the Proposed Development, the Revised Development’s primary noise source remains the feeding equipment. Given the temporary nature of this noise source, and the number of vessels in the area, there will be no further impact associated with this noise source and associated vessels. The closet residences remain at the same distance from the Revised Development, as mentioned within the EIA Report. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated on these receptors. The Arran Coastal Path is located further away from the Revised Development than originally assessed within the EIA Report. As such, noise will be lower than predicted in the EIA Report, and will be unlikely to result in a significant impact. Any impact will be

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temporary as users of the coastal path pass by the Revised Development as stated in the EIA Report. As concluded in the EIA Report, given the limited working hours and modest noise levels generated during operation, predicted noise effects arising from the Revised Development remain not significant.

7 CONCLUSION The Revised Development has been designed in such a way to ensure that environmental effects have been reduced as far as possible from those identified within the EIA Report, in addition best practice management measures will be utilised throughout the life time of the Revised Development. As such no significant effects on the natural heritage environment have been identified. Where a potential risk to the surrounding environment has been identified, appropriate mitigation has been proposed (e.g. the layout of the pens following the coastline and design of the feed barge to resemble a fishing vessel). Whilst there is the potential for significant adverse landscape, seascape and visual effects for receptors using the Arran Coastal Way, these occur over a limited geographical extent, and decrease quickly as one moves past the Revised Development. It is assessed that whilst such effects occur, the nature of the Revised Development is characteristic of a coastal location and the receiving landscape is of such a scale that it has the capacity to absorb a Revised Development of this nature.

Arcus Consultancy Services Scottish Salmon Company Page 6 September 2020 180000 185000 190000 195000 200000 205000 210000 215000 220000 670000 670000 665000 665000 Indicative Site Boundary 660000 660000 655000 655000 650000 650000 645000 645000 640000 640000

1:150,000Scale @ A3

0 2.5 5km #NORTH

Produced By: FC Ref: 3809-REP-015

635000 635000 Checked By: SC Date: 02/09/2020

Revised Development Location Figure A1

North Arran Marine Fish Farm

630000 630000 AEI Non-Technical Summary

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data © Crown copyright 2020. All rights reserved. License number 100048606 number License reserved. rights All 2020. copyright Crown © data map digital Survey Ordnance from Reproduced 180000 185000 190000 195000 200000 205000 210000 215000 220000 P:\Projects\Environment\3809 Arran Marine Fish Farm\3809 Arran Marine Fish Farm.aprx\3809-REP-015 A1 Revised Development Location 198000 198200 198400 198600 198800 199000 199200 199400 199600 199800 200000 200200 200400 200600 200800 201000 201200 201400 201600 651400 651400 651200 651200

651000 651000 Indicative Site Boundary Feed Barge Pen 650800 650800 650600 650600 650400 650400 650200 650200 650000 650000 649800 649800 649600 649600 649400 649400 649200 649200 649000 649000

1:12,500 Scale @ A3 648800 648800

#NORTH 0 250 500Meters

Produced By: FC Ref: 3809-REP-016 648600 648600 Checked By: SC Date: 02/09/2020

648400 648400 Revised Development Layout Figure A2

648200 648200 North Arran Marine Fish Farm AEI Non-Technical Summary

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data © Crown copyright 2020. All rights reserved. License number 100048606 number License reserved. rights All 2020. copyright Crown © data map digital Survey Ordnance from Reproduced 198000 198200 198400 198600 198800 199000 199200 199400 199600 199800 200000 200200 200400 200600 200800 201000 201200 201400 201600 P:\Projects\Environment\3809 Arran Marine Fish Farm\3809 Arran Marine Fish Farm.aprx\3809-REP-016 A2 Revised Development Layout 198000 198200 198400 198600 198800 199000 199200 199400 199600 199800 200000 200200 200400 200600 200800 201000 201200 201400 201600 651400 651400 651200 651200

651000 651000 Indicative Site Boundary Proposed Development in EIA Report

Feed Barge 650800 650800

Pen Revised Development in AEI Report 650600 650600 Pen

Feed Barge 650400 650400 650200 650200 650000 650000 649800 649800 649600 649600 649400 649400 649200 649200 649000 649000

1:12,500 Scale @ A3 648800 648800

#NORTH 0 250 500Meters

Produced By: FC Ref: 3809-REP-017 648600 648600 Checked By: SC Date: 02/09/2020

648400 648400 Site Design Evolution Figure A3

648200 648200 North Arran Marine Fish Farm AEI Non-Technical Summary

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data © Crown copyright 2020. All rights reserved. License number 100048606 number License reserved. rights All 2020. copyright Crown © data map digital Survey Ordnance from Reproduced 198000 198200 198400 198600 198800 199000 199200 199400 199600 199800 200000 200200 200400 200600 200800 201000 201200 201400 201600 P:\Projects\Environment\3809 Arran Marine Fish Farm\3809 Arran Marine Fish Farm.aprx\3809-REP-017 A3 Site Design Evolution