Common cause

WE have a special focus in this month’s magazine on the partnerships between salmon farmers and fishery managers, aimed at restoring populations of wild salmon, which are now described as at ‘crisis point’ in Scottish rivers on the east and west coasts. As you will see, much can be achieved when both sectors collaborate, something those working on the ground at a practical level - such as Jon Gibb and Bob Kindness - have long realised. Let’s hope similar progress is achieved at the political level, particularly on the interactions committee formed last year. And let’s also hope that those making decisions at the top are as open and transparent about their dealings as the fishery managers at the forefront of stock improvement programmes have been.

Also this month, we mark the retirement of industry veteran and AKVA man Dougie Johnson, who has been a member of the ‘aquaculture club’ for more than 40 years, with roles in both farming and the supply chain. Dougie probably speaks for most suppliers when he says the industry needs their voice too, a sentiment echoed by aquaculture businesses at a summit in Edinburgh last month, where the idea of a new supply chain association was considered.

Finally, we would like to wish our friend and former colleague William Dowds even more courage in his latest battle with ill health. We’re all thinking of you William.