Aquaculture is dependent on a pristine environment and high quality water. However, natural events such as the occurrence of phytoplankton or jellyfish blooms can threaten fish in cages. Marine Scotland Science is involved in an EU project on the effects of jellyfish on fish farms.
Sometimes phytoplankton produce toxins resulting in harmful algal blooms (HABS). Some of the toxins produced are harmful to consumers of shellfish. FRS conducts a monitoring program on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to ensure that toxin levels in shellfish for human consumption do not exceed safe limits.
Predators, such as seals and birds, can also attack fish and damage nets. Marine Scotland Science provides advice on the impacts of marine mammals and other predators on fish farms and wild fisheries.