Aquaculture for all

Call for greater protection for Scottish waters

SCOTLAND - The Scottish Parliament's Environment and Rural Development Committee is today due to consider a petition lodged on behalf of the Society for the Protection of Salmon and Sea Trout, calling for the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Executive to ensure greater protection for the rivers, streams and lochs of Scotland, such as Loch Broom and the River Gruinard, from fish farm developments.

The petitioner, Frank Buckley, is concerned about the effect of fish farms on stocks of wild salmon and sea trout. In particular, the petitioner states that problems with sea lice, the escape of farmed fish and the location of fish farms has led to diminishing stocks of wild salmon and sea trout.

He states that failure to secure wild fish stocks affects the economy of rural areas, principally through the loss of tourism and the consequent loss of employment.

The petition was lodged with the PPC in February 2006. At its meeting on 22 March, the PPC agreed to write to the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, the Scottish Anglers National Association, the Fisheries Research Services, the Scottish Association for Marine Science, the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling and the Scottish Executive.

Source: Fish Update

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