US seal rule ‘unclear’ says minister

THE Scottish government is seeking clarification from the US over its legislation restricting seafood imports from countries that don’t comply with strict marine mammal protection criteria.

The recent US rule, which could affect export sales of Scottish salmon if farmers shoot predatory seals, is due to come into force in January 2022.

In response to a question from the Green Party in Holyrood, Roseanna Cunningham, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, said: ‘The precise implications of the regulations remain unclear in a number of areas and for many countries.

‘We intend to seek further clarification, along with the United Kingdom government and the European Union, through discussions with the US government in response to its request for information.

‘The EU is considering a number of approaches, including a joint response to the US, a reversion to the World Trade Organisation and, potentially, a request for more time to respond to the request for information.’

The minister said it was a matter for individual companies to decide whether to apply for a licence to shoot seals under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.