A Scottish government strategy document that puts aquaculture at the heart of the Scottish economy has been welcomed by producer organisations.
The Scottish government last week launched a consultation for a Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture, which identifies five key areas to ensure the sustainable development of the £400m industry.
The key issues were identified as animal health and disease control; planning and development; minimising escapes; promoting a positive image for the industry; and long-term investment in the sector.
The strategy reflected the importance of aquaculture to the rural economy, and would allow the industry to develop in line with market demand, said Phil Thomas, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation chairman. “This document places aquaculture well up the list of priorities in the framework of economic development,” he added.
Scotland is Europe’s second-largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon, with the sector worth some £380m. Native oysters and queen and king scallops are also farmed in Scotland.
The Scottish government recognised the contribution that aquaculture now made to producers and the rural economy, said environment minister Michael Russell. “Scottish ministers want an aquaculture industry that is ambitious, growing, diverse and profitable. But development must be sustainable economically, socially and culturally, as well as environmentally.”
Challenges identified in the consultation include the availability of appropriate sites, the difficulties of securing finance and the need to promote aquaculture as a good news story.
The aquaculture industry continues to fight against negative headlines about environmental and welfare concerns, but has received the support of Young’s, which has identified fish farming as the way forward for fish production.
The Scottish government last week launched a consultation for a Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture, which identifies five key areas to ensure the sustainable development of the £400m industry.
The key issues were identified as animal health and disease control; planning and development; minimising escapes; promoting a positive image for the industry; and long-term investment in the sector.
The strategy reflected the importance of aquaculture to the rural economy, and would allow the industry to develop in line with market demand, said Phil Thomas, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation chairman. “This document places aquaculture well up the list of priorities in the framework of economic development,” he added.
Scotland is Europe’s second-largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon, with the sector worth some £380m. Native oysters and queen and king scallops are also farmed in Scotland.
The Scottish government recognised the contribution that aquaculture now made to producers and the rural economy, said environment minister Michael Russell. “Scottish ministers want an aquaculture industry that is ambitious, growing, diverse and profitable. But development must be sustainable economically, socially and culturally, as well as environmentally.”
Challenges identified in the consultation include the availability of appropriate sites, the difficulties of securing finance and the need to promote aquaculture as a good news story.
The aquaculture industry continues to fight against negative headlines about environmental and welfare concerns, but has received the support of Young’s, which has identified fish farming as the way forward for fish production.
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