New advisory body for Scottish aquaculture meets
THE Scottish Government last month took another step towards reforming aquaculture regulation, with the inaugural meeting of a new strategic advisory group for the sector.
The Scottish Aquaculture Council brings together senior representatives from key organisations with interests in the industry and its environmental and community impacts.
The Scottish Government said the Council will offer views and advice to assist ministers in delivering commitments and to help ensure that the aquaculture industry is supported, innovative and achieves its full potential while operating within environmental limits.
Members will also provide views to help inform the development of the government’s new vision for sustainable aquaculture, which will be published by the end of the year.
Mairi Gougeon chairs the Council, which includes representatives from the industry – the trade body Salmon Scotland plus two from fish farming businesses – as well as from the seaweed and shellfish sectors, government agencies and environmental organisations.
Although the Council includes a representative from Scottish Environment LINK, the forum for Scotland’s voluntary environment community, and the Marine Conservation Society, which campaigns for sustainable use of the sea’s resources, some of the aquaculture industry’s fiercest critics are notable for their absence.
Mairi Gougeon said: “Aquaculture is a significant employer in Scotland’s rural and coastal communities and its wider UK and global supply chain. It provides well paid jobs and produces healthy, quality food that is enjoyed worldwide.
“The sector can only truly be a sustainable success story if we work together to address and mitigate any impacts on the natural environment, whilst providing positive outcomes for Scotland’s communities.”