Fish Farming Today - Published on: March
24, 2003
SCOTTISH Deputy Environment and Rural
Development Minister Allan Wilson today
outlined a range of steps which will be taken
to promote the aquaculture industry in
Scotland.
Speaking at the
Sea Change Conference in Dunblane, Mr Wilson
launched the Scottish Executive's Strategic
Framework for Aquaculture.
The Minister
said the Executive wanted to bring forward
legislation governing the aquaculture industry
in Scotland during the next Parliamentary
session.
The Deputy
Minister also announced annual investment from
the Executive of up to £100,000 to support the
establishment of a Scottish Aquaculture
Research Forum. The Forum will also receive
funding from other sources.
Action points
contained in the Framework include:
Federation of
Scottish Aquaculture Producers to prepare plan
to encourage investment in industry;
independent study of regulatory costs on
aquaculture businesses undertaken; development
of Exports Action Plan
Review quality
of fish farm environmental impact assessments
and develop guidance for developers and
regulators on minimum standards; collect
environmental data to inform carrying capacity
guidelines at local level; encourage companies
to commit to environmental management systems;
review effectiveness of voluntary sea lice
management initiatives
Develop policy
on the location/re-location of fish farms;
local authorities to develop local guidance
zoning the development of aquaculture in
coastal areas;
Extend planning
authority responsibility to marine fish
farming; produce Scottish Planning Policy for
fish farming
Mr Wilson said:
"This Framework has been produced by various
stakeholders, from industry, environmental
groups, regulators, finance and retail
representatives, and academics." And this
range of interests should ensure this policy
is successful. |
