Editor’s Welcome

The Scottish parliamentary elections of 6 May resulted in the SNP retaining their place in government (with the support of the Scottish Greens). Politically the status quo continues as before, then, but that does not mean “no change”.

As far as the wider political landscape is concerned, the SNP’s win means that the question of a second referendum on independence is more of a live issue than ever, raising all kinds of questions about Scotland’s future relationship with the rest of the United Kingdom, not to mention the European Union.

Change has also been promised from the aquaculture perspective, with a pledge from the SNP to streamline the cumbersome planning consent process for fish farms, and to introduce a Norwegian-style system of auctions.

Meanwhile, fish welfare continues to be an important issue for the industry, and in this month’s Fish Farmer we look at how this applies to the harvesting process. Technology and our increasing understanding of fish biology are helping to develop a more humane approach to slaughter.

We also find out how Zimbabwe’s Keith Nicholson built a successful tilapia farming business on the shores of Lake Kariba, starting out when aquaculture in the country was almost unheard of.

This issue also focuses on Canada, where the federal government’s decision to shut down farms in the Discovery Islands continues to have repercussions; and we profile Organic Sea Harvest as it prepares to bring to the market its first batch of organic salmon, raised in the waters around Skye.

Nicki Holmyard explores the possibilities in using land-based farming to produce warmwater species in the UK, while Vince McDonagh finds out about a project applying artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology to farmed salmon.

This industry continues to change - and we aim to continue to reflect that change.