Fair hearing
THE salmon farming sector in Scotland, when told it was to be the subject of a parliamentary inquiry, embraced the opportunity this would provide to explain how it operated. The industry had nothing to hide and, if given a fair hearing, could address much of the criticism levelled against it.
Fish Farmer supported this view, but at times felt that salmon farmers were being drowned out by the noisier elements of the angling lobby, which had called for the investigation. But as the sessions progressed, and eventually farmers’ voices were heard, we became more optimistic. We now believe that MSPs, perhaps with the exception of one or two Greens in cahoots with anti-farming campaigners, will, on balance, regard the industry in a favourable light. They will hopefully see that farmers take their environmental responsibilities seriously and that businesses will only ever invest in growth that is sustainable.
If the committee members, especially those who have yet to visit a salmon farm, would like to learn more about the subject of their inquiry, we have plenty of good stories in our May issue. Even better, they could head to the Highlands later this month, where they will meet the aquaculture industry en masse at Scotland’s biggest fish farming show.
We will certainly be at Aquaculture UK in Aviemore and look forward to seeing many of you there too.