Salmon Scotland has asked Scottish government not to put politics before employment when considering a proposed ban on all marine activity in Scottish waters

Aquaculture body Salmon Scotland has asked Scottish government not to put politics before employment when considering a proposed ban on all marine activity in Scottish waters.

As part of the SNP’s agreement with the Scottish Greens, Scottish government launched a consultation on designating Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs). It would see at least 10% of coastal waters around Scotland closed to human activity, imposing an extra barrier on aquaculture expansion.

Salmon Scotland has warned HPMAs could put jobs in fragile coastal communities at risk and undermine the government’s vision of a “blue economy”, with its CEO Tavish Scott saying the plans appear to be driven by political agendas rather than science.