Law 'can reform fisheries industry'

Oct 4 2012

New legislation provides the chance to reform Scotland's fish farming industry, environmental campaigners have said.

The Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill should send a clear message to fish farmers that growth in the sector "must not come at the expense of the environment", the Scottish Wildlife Trust said.

The Scottish Government hopes the legislation just introduced to Holyrood will help the industry develop in a sustainable way.

Environment minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "I believe we now have a forward-thinking Bill which achieves a balance between supporting fish farming and freshwater fisheries to thrive, while putting in place the legislative steps to ensure Scotland's precious marine environment continues to be protected, something which is recognised as key in the interest of all stakeholders.

"Scotland is home to economically significant aquaculture and freshwater fisheries sectors. They are critical to the economies of many remote and rural communities, as well as making important contributions to the wider Scottish economy.

"Farmed salmon is now recognised as our most valuable food export, and wild salmon and trout fishing is a key tourism draw."

The Bill, if passed, will introduce legal measures for fish farm operators, including a requirement for them to meet technical equipment standards. It aims to safeguard the shellfish industry by ensuring waters continue to be protected from pollution.

Alex Kinninmonth, of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: "This Bill could be incredibly important for maintaining and improving the quality of Scotland's coastal waters and rivers which support iconic species such as Atlantic salmon and sea trout.

"It's in everyone's interest to protect the long-term health of our coastal waters and rivers, as Scottish farmed fish has been built and promoted around the high quality of our natural environment. We want this Bill to achieve a better outcome for wildlife and the environment. This is our chance to foster a successful, sustainable Scottish fish farming industry.

"This Bill should send a clear message that industry growth must not come at the expense of the environment and the Scottish Wildlife Trust will be following it closely to make sure the legislation lives up to its aims."