The Scottish Government has published its consultation on proposals for the introduction of an Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill to achieve a sustainable future for fish farming.
The consultation received 1,342 responses from sectors including aquaculture, freshwater fisheries, environmental bodies, voluntary and members of the public. The Scottish Government consulted on how to ensure the effective management of both aquaculture and freshwater fisheries and the interaction between the two. A new Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill is due to be introduced later this year.
Stewart Stevenson, environment minister, said: "Both aquaculture and freshwater fisheries play an important economic and social role in communities throughout Scotland, particularly in remote and rural locations. That’s why the Scottish Government has consulted on new legislation that will aim to ensure both sectors have a viable, long term future.
Mr Stevenson added: “Since the consultation launch we have also engaged with key stakeholders on how the plans might be progressed. I believe this now gives us the platform for a positive way ahead and I look forward to introducing the Bill to Parliament this autumn."
With salmon being Scotland’s largest food export, fish and shellfish farming directly employs more than 1,500 people. Scotland’s freshwater fisheries supports one of the largest wild salmon populations in Europe, while brown trout fisheries also play an important part in the growth of the industry.
