Scotland Focus on Fish Farming

According to the Shetland Marine News, a consultation on the Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture was launched yesterday (Wednesday) at a fish farm on the Isle of Skye by environment minister Michael Russell.

The news agency reports that the government has highlighted the economic importance of the sector, saying it is now worth more than fish catching to the country.

Shetland-based secretary of Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation David Sandison said the old strategy from 2003 needed to be revitalised, with issues it had not resolved now being examined.

He said: “It is about trying to make the case for investment in the industry stronger through external bodies and to make sure the regulatory requirement is good for encouraging people to come and do business in Scotland.”

Mr Sandison said the economic and environmental sustainability of the industry “go hand in hand” and is a key consideration of the strategy.

“Improving competitiveness and good governance in the £400 million per annum aquaculture industry will encourage further investment. This is key to enhancing environmental sustainability and delivering greater social and economic rewards.”