This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Aquaculture strategy
05/12/2001
"Compromise and hard work is needed to create a
strategic framework for the aquaculture industry," the
Deputy minister for Environment and Rural Development told
a conference today.
Speaking at the 'Aquaculture Strategy for Scotland'
conference in Edinburgh, Mr Allan Wilson said:
"There is a clear need for open and mature debate about
this important Scottish industry, and events of this kind
are precisely the right way to do that.
"I am pleased that everyone involved in the consultation
is approaching the process is a serious, open and inclusive
way. The intention behind this process is not to create the
Executive's strategy - rather it should be Scotland's
strategy, informed by everyone with an interest.
"This is a unique opportunity to develop and agree a
strategic framework for aquaculture which will influence
decisions and the future direction of the industry for a
generation to come.
"So let us focus our knowledge and enthusiasm and
together produce a strategic framework for aquaculture. For
this to happen it will need give and take on all sides;
compromise. But since devolution I believe we are all
"working together" in a way that never happened before. We
must capitalise on that spirit of co-operation and build a
sustainable aquaculture industry, in Scotland, for the
future."
The 'Aquaculture strategy for Scotland' conference has
been organised by the Centre for Scottish Public Policy and
SQS to facilitate debate and bring together opinions and
visions of the key issues facing the industry. Further
details are available from [Pat Herd], CSPP, 0131-558 8179
or Julie Edgar, SQS, 01738 587000.
The
consultation to develop a long-term strategy for
aquaculture was announced by Mr Wilson's predecessor,
Rhona Brankin on 26 June 2001.
This will involve:
- conducting a wide-ranging inclusive consultation
about the big issues surrounding fish farming;
- developing more focused debate around a set of
strategic proposals; and
- culminating in a Strategy for the future, around
which the Executive wishes to muster a broad
consensus.
The Executive aims to complete the development of the
strategy by spring 2002.