A fresh start for Scotland''s aquaculture industry has been mapped out yesterday 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.
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 140,000t 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 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."
