THE Hoganess Salmon sites in Shetland that are currently under investigation following the death of up to 6,000 farmed salmon last week have been suspended from existing certification schemes operated by the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO), Scottish Quality Salmon and Shetland Aquaculture.

SSPO and Shetland Aquaculture confirmed they had accepted the company’s offer for the sites under investigation to be suspended, and said while they were “deeply shocked at the severity of the allegations unfolding” they regarded them as “speculation” until the investigating agencies reported.

The statement said: “The SSPO and Shetland Aquaculture are aware that investigations are currently underway by a number of statutory agencies in connection with Hoganess Salmon in Shetland.

“While the SSPO and Shetland Aquaculture are deeply shocked at the severity of the allegations unfolding, we recognise that the speculation is precisely that and it is important to allow the investigating authorities to carry out their work and report in due course. The SSPO and Shetland Aquaculture have urged the company to assist the investigating agencies fully.

“For the time being, until the next steps become clear, the organisations have accepted the company’s offer for the sites under investigation to be suspended from existing certification schemes operated by the SSPO, Scottish Quality Salmon and Shetland Aquaculture.”

Hoganess Salmon operates from the shore base at Burrastow, near Walls, and grows about 3,000 tonnes of salmon over an 18-month cycle.