Actions to increase the productivity of Scotland’s aquaculture
sector and help reduce its impact on the environment have been
set out in a new strategy.
The Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture includes measures that
will:
- safeguard the natural environment
- support innovation across the sector
- ensure local communities receive lasting benefits from
aquaculture
- promote new infrastructure and supply chain developments
The Vision will be delivered by the Scottish Government in
cooperation with businesses and other stakeholders. It will also
seek to harness the potential Scotland has as a coastal nation to
develop its Blue Economy and create more sustainable economic and
social benefit from fish, seafood and seaweed farming in the
future.
Rural Affairs Secretary said:
“Scotland’s aquaculture sector is a significant contributor to
our economy. Farmed salmon continues to be hugely popular in both
domestic and foreign markets whilst Scottish businesses are at
the very forefront of global innovation within the industry.
“We want the industry to continue to flourish whilst placing a
renewed emphasis on environmental protection and community
benefits. This is the defining principle of the Vision for
Aquaculture and the measures that it contains are designed to
achieve this.
“This work is part of our wider efforts to improve and enhance
Scotland’s blue economy. It will require us to work collectively
with producers, supply chain businesses and other stakeholders to
respond and adapt to the nature and climate crises - ensuring the
continued success of Scottish aquaculture.”
, Chief Executive of Salmon
Scotland said:
“We welcome this vision which puts salmon farming at the heart of
the country’s economic growth plans, helping Scotland’s journey
to net zero and supporting healthy diets.
“The blue economy has the potential to both increase food
security at home and feed the growing global population.
“Scotland is uniquely placed to lead the way in the drive for the
sustainable use of the oceans and seas, while conserving our
shared environment for future generations.”
Andrew Cannon, Managing Director of Kames Fish Farming said:
“It’s encouraging there is an open dialogue between the sector
and government that will enable progression to a more sustainable
future for aquaculture.
“We can only really tackle these sustainability challenges, such
as climate change and environmental impact, by working
collectively and collaboratively, and through better education
and discourse with the research institutes and public bodies.
“We hope this vision document triggers action, further than just
words, within the industry.”
Background
- The Vision for Sustainable
Aquaculture fulfils a key Scottish Government pledge in
both the Bute House Agreement and Programme for Government. It
is the culmination of a commitment to produce an enhanced
aquaculture strategy, which places emphasis on environmental
protection and community benefit.
- Scotland’s blue economy includes the marine, coastal and the
inter-linked freshwater environment of Scotland, the different
marine and maritime sectors it supports, and the people connected
to it.
- The vision for Scotland’s
blue economy recognises that economic prosperity and
well-being are embedded within nature, and in order to harness
blue opportunities, Scotland’s economy and society must be
transformed to thrive within the planet’s sustainable limits.
