This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Fish farming praised
19/04/2002
Scotland's aquaculture industry has demonstrated a willingness to improve its competitiveness and a commitment to develop new products and markets, it was said today.
Speaking after meeting exhibitors at the Aquaculture 2002 Exhibition in Glasgow, the Deputy Minister for Environment & Rural Development, Allan Wilson said:
"I have been tremendously impressed by the diversity of the exhibits I have seen today and by the scale of this show. Aquaculture is of vital importance to Scotland for its contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of some of our remotest communities.
"Despite the often difficult trading conditions, the commitment of our industry is demonstrated by a willingness to embrace new technology to improve environmental performance and productivity, the drive to find new products and markets, and by the acceptance of the need to diversify into other whitefish and shellfish species.
"The Aquaculture 2002 Exhibition offers an excellent opportunity for our industry to come together to share expertise and to promote Scottish products. And with a considerable number of international visitors, the world is seeing the best we have to offer.
"We do need to think carefully about the future if Scottish aquaculture is to have a long term sustainable foundation. That is why the Scottish Executive is spearheading the development of a strategic framework to achieve this. The challenge for us all is to balance the socio-economic benefits that aquaculture provides with the environmental impact of its operations. I am confident, however, that by working together we shall achieve a consensus on how to do that."
The Aquaculture 2002 Exhibition is on between 18 and 20 of April at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow. This is the third show since its inception in 1998.
Further information can be obtained from the organisers, EMAP Heighway at: http://www.heighwayevents.com/aq2002/index.htm