Jellyfish ‘wreak havoc’ on Scottish salmon farms killing 200,000 fish
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A jellyfish species has left over 200,000 salmon in Scotland dead in what is believed to be the single worst incident of its type. The String of Pearls Jellyfish (Apolemia uvaria), also known as string jellyfish or barbed wire jellyfish, has struck two Scottish salmon farms, according to The Green Britain Foundation.
![[Video grab showing dead salmon being removed from two Scottish salmon farms. Photo released January 20 2025. A jellyfish species has killed over 200,000 salmon in Scotland - in what is believed to be the single worst incident of it type, campaigners say.The String of Pearls Jellyfish (Apolemia uvaria), also known as string jellyfish or barbed wire jellyfish, has struck two Scottish salmon farms, according to The Green Britain Foundation.It says the species has 'wrecked havoc' on Norway's salmon industry - as jellyfish killed more than three million salmon in Norwegian farms in the winter of 2023.Footage released by the foundation just two days before the jellyfish attack was officially detected shows tonnes of salmon of varying sizes being removed from the site.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236672770-ffff.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The species previously ‘wreaked havoc’ on Norway’s salmon industry when jellyfish killed more than three million salmon in Norwegian farms in the winter of 2023. Footage released by the foundation just two days before the jellyfish attack was officially detected shows tonnes of salmon of varying sizes being removed from the site.
The string jellyfish ‘unleash a devastating assault’ on salmon, as their venomous tentacles inflict excruciating burns on the fish’s skin, eyes, and gills. Trapped in densely packed pens, the salmon are unable to escape the relentless stings, leaving them with gaping wounds and immense stress.
These injuries render the fish vulnerable to infection and disease, often resulting in a slow and agonising death if left untreated. Dale Vince, founder of the Green Britain Foundation, sees this event as further evidence of the need for stricter oversight of the salmon farming industry.
He said: ‘This jellyfish attack is the latest example of how the fish farming industry is failing to cope with environmental challenges. We routinely see them using the land and sea as a sewer for their toxic business, and now nature is fighting back.
