Scottish Government
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Fresh start for fish farming

A fresh start for Scotland's aquaculture industry has today been mapped out by Minister for Environment Michael Russell.

The Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture outlines five key areas for development to ensure a sustainable and profitable industry. It aims to achieve:

* Healthier farmed fish
* An improved system for new developments
* Less escapes from farms
* Better marketing of farmed fish
* Finance for new developments

Flexible ways of working and a new direction for the Ministerial Working Group on Aquaculture are also being proposed.

The Framework has been developed in partnership with the sector and will now be subject to a full public consultation which will run until November 2008.

Speaking in Skye, Mr Russell said:

"Aquaculture is an important industry for rural Scotland, in particular the west coast and islands where it is often a mainstay of the community.

"Last year we produced some 140,000 tonnes of salmon worth almost £400 million, more than the value of our catching sector.

"Our farmed rainbow and brown trout industry is also worth over £10 million and we also have a successful shellfish sector worth more than £5 million.

"It is clear, that we need to maintain a Scottish aquaculture industry that is ambitious, thriving, growing, diverse and profitable.

"However, growth must be sustainable; economically, socially and environmentally. The industry will support and underpin communities and must also operate within the carrying capacity of the environment.

"The renewed framework I am launching today seeks to modernise the sector and build on the strong foundations already in place. Much has changed in the five years since the original framework was published.

"Technology has improved, regulations have evolved, a consultation on a Scottish Marine Bill has started, demand for fish and shellfish is increasing and there are a number of new challenges lying ahead. We need a Framework in place that is relevant and flexible enough to meet these challenges.

"I want to see a more flexible approach for delivery through a refocused Ministerial Working Group on Aquaculture which I envisage being a prime mover in supporting the sector.

"We must also make the best use of robust and sound science and research.

"With these improvements we will be able to drive forward the sustainable economic growth of an industry which is vital for Scotland."

David Sandison, Secretary of Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO), said:

"We welcome the new vision and hope that it will bring greater social, economic and sustainable benefits to farmers and the many remote, rural businesses that are reliant on a successful salmon sector. Improving competitiveness and good governance will encourage further investment in the salmon industry, which is key to enhancing environmental sustainability and delivering greater social and economic rewards."

Doug McLeod, Chairman of the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers, welcomed the launch, noting:

"This is an important initiative which we expect to encourage the more effective utilisation of Scotland's inshore marine resources, particularly in the sector of shellfish cultivation, benefiting the economic and social future of rural and coastal communities."

David Bassett, CEO, British Trout Association added:

"It is particularly important that all species of aquaculture production are included in the development of any strategic framework. I welcome the opportunity to assist in the development of an expanded and sustainable aquaculture sector; it is only through such joint working, and by taking the mid to long term approach, that we can start to address the significant challenges still facing our industry."

The Ministerial Working Group on Aquaculture (MWGA) was established in 2002 to develop and manage A Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture (SFSA), which was published in 2003. MWGA is chaired by the Minister for Environment and comprises representatives of the aquaculture industry and its main stakeholders (see below). The group currently meets twice a year.

Through the renewal process, the role and membership of MWGA will be considered and new terms of reference agreed.

Membership of the group is as follows:

Chair: Michael Russell, Minister for Environment

Members: Association of Salmon Fishery Boards (ASFB), Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers (ASSG), British Retail Consortium. British Trout Association (BTA), Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers, Confederation of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), Federation of Scottish Aquaculture Producers (FSAP), Fish Vet Group, Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS), Scottish Environment LINK (represented by RSPB and Marine Conservation Society), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO), Sea Fish Industry Authority The Crown Estate

Related Information

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/08/06103512/0

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Fisheries/Fish-Shellfish

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