Roadmap to change

Industry sets out radical measures to reform bureaucracy and double growth

NEW industry leadership group will be formed by the aquaculture sector in Scotland under ambitious plans to dou ble growth by 2030. The industry led strategy sision 2030, launched in Fort William on Kctober 28, also recommends a radical shake up of government regulatory body Marine Scotland, in a move to streamline the regulatory and planning process.

The emphasis of the report – which has been compiled by representatives rom finfish and shellfish bodies, private companies and public sector organisations is on economic develop ment.

The industry could grow from £1.8 billion to 3.6 billion and create and extra 9,000 jobs i the sision 2030 recommendations are adopted, say its authors.

Finfish production could grow to 300,000 400,000 tonnes by 2030, mussels to 21,000 tonnes, and oyster production could significant ly increase too, while the number o jobs in the sector could increase to 18,000.

The group, which ormed earlier this year and was co chaired by Stewart raham o ael Force roup and Dennis Kverton o A uascot, took soundings from across the industry.

It also wants to see the introduction o in novation sites permitted by regulators to trial cu ng edge e uipment, technology and fish health measures.

Scotland needs a strategic vision to bet ter compete with countries that have huge ambitions and more competitive regulatory rameworks, said the report.

The delivery o sustainable growth by the industry also re uires a fit or purpose planning ramework that provides better consistency o response and speed of process.

The ramework should enable regulators to keep pace with innovation and change in the