Vementry

The proposed site at Vementry would consist of ten 120 m circumference pens arranged in a single group, 2 x 5. The pens will be held within 85m x 85m moorings grid squares with a feed barge moored south of the pen group. The farm would be serviced on a daily basis from our existing shorebase at Aith. It is envisaged that the development would lead to the creation of five highly skilled full-time jobs in the local area.

Cooke Scotland is a leader in the development of higher-energy fish farm locations in Scotland. We have gained extensive knowledge through the successful development and operation of our pioneering farms at East Moclett and Skelwick Skerry in Orkney, which are among the most exposed locations in Scotland. The proposed Vementry farm seeks to utilise this knowledge to open up new farming opportunities in Shetland. The location of the proposed development has been identified following extensive environmental assessments, strict regulatory review, and careful consideration of surrounding operations. Situated in a moderately exposed area, the site hosts ideal conditions for rearing strong and healthy salmon, supporting high standards of fish health, welfare, and environmental performance.

The planning application for the proposed Vementry marine finfish farm was submitted on 10 February 2026 alongside a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA evaluates the potential environmental, ecological and socio-economic effects of the development and identifies appropriate mitigation and monitoring measures where required.

The assessment has been undertaken in consultation with Shetland Islands Council (SIC), statutory consultees and relevant regulatory bodies including SEPA, Nature Scot and Marine Directorate, with the required content of the EIA formally agreed through the Scoping process. During determination of the application the submitted EIA will be reviewed by SIC and statutory bodies.

Benthic and Water Column Effects

Extensive baseline surveys were undertaken prior to submission of the application, including grab sampling and a detailed ROV seabed survey to characterise habitats in and around the proposed site.

Potential effects on the seabed and water column are regulated by SEPA the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR). Hydrodynamic and depositional modelling have been undertaken to assess dispersion characteristics and potential cumulative effects in the wider area, and these outputs will inform the EASR authorisation process, including the regulation of maximum biomass, nutrient inputs, discharges, and statutory environmental monitoring requirements.

Fish Ecology and Sea Lice

The EIA includes a detailed assessment of potential interactions with wild salmonids, namely sea trout and Atlantic salmon.

The assessment considers:

• Sea lice transmission pathways
• Fish health and disease transmission
• Escape risk and containment measures

The evaluation takes account of regulatory controls, farm management practices and cumulative considerations within the local Disease Management Area.

Marine Mammals and Ornithology

The proposed development has been assessed in relation to:

• Nearby seal haul-out sites
• Cetacean species present in Shetland waters
• Seabird interests associated with Papa Stour Special Protection Area (SPA)

Potential disturbance, displacement and entanglement risks have been evaluated, and mitigation measures are identified where necessary.

Other Marine Users and Navigation

The EIA assesses potential interactions with:

• Commercial fisheries
• Recreational marine users
• Existing aquaculture sites
• Vessel navigation routes

The layout of the MCA and mooring system has been designed to accommodate local separation distances and marine user considerations, while ensuring the safe containment and secure positioning of the farm infrastructure.

Landscape, Seascape and Visual Effects

A full Seascape, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (SLVIA) has been undertaken to assess potential visual effects from representative viewpoints and sensitive receptors including the Muckle Roe portion of the Shetland National Scenic Area.

Cultural Heritage

The assessment includes consideration of marine archaeology and cultural heritage interests within the vicinity of the proposed site.

Sustainability

Cooke Scotland is committed to responsible and sustainable aquaculture.

Salmon farming is widely recognised as one of the most efficient forms of animal protein production, with comparatively low greenhouse gas emissions and water use per unit of edible protein. By operating within strict regulatory frameworks and continuously improving environmental performance, we aim to contribute positively to local communities and global food security.

The Vementry development represents a continuation of our commitment to producing high-quality, sustainable food while working within Scotland’s internationally recognised environmental and regulatory standards

Cooke Scotland contributes meaningfully to the local economy by investing in our farms and associated facilities, working with local suppliers, and supporting the communities in which we operate.

Cooke is one of the largest employers in Shetland, and the sustainable growth of the business enables us to create new employment opportunities while safeguarding jobs at our existing facilities. We are committed to investing not only in our people and operational development, but also in the local communities we support.
Since 2017, we have spent significantly in local communities across Shetland through our Community Benefit Fund. Through future developments, we intend to continue strengthening this commitment by investing in the communities in which we operate.

If you have any questions about the proposed project that have not been answered here or in our FAQ page, you can contact us at cas.environment@cookeaqua.com and we will endeavour to answer your query as soon as we can.

Please note this is for queries only. Any comments you would like to be considered should be submitted using the feedback form below.