On the 29th March 1998 just under a 1/3 of the population of Eday met together to discuss their concerns over the proposed development of a large fish farm in Newark Bay, on the west side of Eday.

Those attending (all of whom are current members) included farmers, Greenpeace members, a B.T.O. ringer, craft workers and retired people. Thirty one people united by their personal and environmental concerns.

The first step was to form a properly constituted group so that the representations could be made to those concerned (e.g. Crown Estate, Scottish Office, and Orkney Islands Council) in a cohesive and orderly way.

At the second meeting of the group (including 3 new joiners!) it was suggested that whilst the main focus of the group was the issue of the Newark Bay fish farm application, it would be beneficial to take part in ECO’s “Bag the Bruck” and invite Eday residents to take part.

Eday’s efforts were commendable with over 300 bags of rubbish collected from 4 beaches. Not only by group members - several non-members turned out as did most of the island’s children.

The Mandate of E.S.P.G., as it stands today, includes dealing with any concerns local residents have regarding the existing fish farm (on Eday’s east side) the supervisor of which is an ESPG member!!

At present it is still the collation of information regarding the Newark Bay application which forms our main agenda. Members of E.S.P.G. are carrying out a bird survey of Ferness / Newark Bays for the R.S.P.B. / E.S.P.G.

We are fortunate to have an active liaison with a Scottish F.O.E. (Friends Of the Earth) adviser as well as Greenpeace. Both have been invaluable in terms of the gathering of information.

All information, references, press cuttings etc are held by E.S.P.G.’s secretary and are available in making a stand against the proliferation / bad practices of Salmon farms in Scotland.