This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Views sought on location of fish farms
13/03/2002
A review of the guidelines governing the location of
fish farms in Scotland was announced today
Making the announcement, Deputy Minister for Environment
and Rural Development Allan Wilson said:
"It is crucial to strike a balance between the needs of
this growing sector and its impact on the environment. It
is more than two years since these guidelines were first
introduced, and there have been significant developments in
that relatively short time. It is therefore timely to
re-examine how we decide where fish farms, for all species,
should be located.
"I would invite everyone with an interest in aquaculture
to consider, initially, what should be the scope of this
review. There will be a further opportunity to comment on
revised draft guidelines later this year, by which time we
will also be able to take account of the emerging
conclusions of our consideration on the strategic framework
for aquaculture."
The review will look at a range of issues including how
areas for development are categorised, the role of local
authorities, the relocation of farms and separation
distances between sites, and between sites and natural
heritage areas.
Since publication of the Guidelines in 1999 there have
been a number of significant developments within the
industry, including the outbreak of Infectious Salmon
Anaemia, the Tripartite Working Group process, the
commercialisation of new farmed species. Additionally,
there is a review of regulations governing aquaculture, and
the ongoing consultation on the development of a strategic
framework for Scottish aquaculture. Because of these, as
well as emerging natural heritage requirements, a review of
the Guidelines is needed to ensure their continued 'fitness
for purpose'.
A consultation letter is being sent to industry trade
organisations; local authorities, SEPA and other
regulators; wild fishery interests; environmental NGOs and
other interests.
Members of the public should write or email to Laura
Cregan, ERAD:FFAME4, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan,
Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, e
mailto:Laura.Cregan@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.
Further details can be found on the Scottish Executive
website at
www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/issue.asp?id=1