Fish farming crisis

QUALITY is the cornerstone of scotland’s farmed salmon industry but the sector finds itself at a watershed moment.

a Holyrood committee warns concerns over the impact of sea lice and the treatments for the parasites, as well as fishfarm waste, mean action is needed now to avoid damage to the industry’s key resource – our pristine waters.

With production in the aquaculture industry expected to soar from 163,000 tons in 2016 to as much as 400,000 tons by 2030, the situation is critical.

as critics warn contaminants might impact consumers, Holyrood environment committee convener Graeme Dey says: ‘The sector continues to grow and expand with little meaningful thought given to the impact this will have on the environment.’

aquaculture is a key employer and export generator – much of the additional capacity being mooted is destined for china.

so a balanced approach is needed, taking into account both the needs of a successful industrial sector and the importance of maintaining our marine environment.

It is a tall order for the scottish parliament to get this right, but the public should expect results.

Holyrood should be applying a deft touch, not becoming distracted by faux constitutional wrangling.