This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Fish farming looks to the future
19/04/2004
An advanced salmon harvesting facility opened in
Mallaig today has heralded a new era for fish farming
inScotland.
First Minister Jack McConnell said that investment in
new facilities and new technologies can ensure a healthy
and prosperous future forScotland's fish farming industry.
Jack McConnell said:
"Salmon farming is one ofScotland's most important industries. It supports thousands
of jobs and is vital forScotland's rural economy. However, like any other industry,
salmon farmers, harvesters and processors have to look to
the future. To succeed and compete they must adapt
to meet the realities of the 21st century global
economy.
"It is by investing in new technologies and new
techniques that Scottish salmon farming companies can
continue to lead the world. Marine Harvest have
recognised this - they have realised that they must act
today to secure the industry of tomorrow. The challenge
is for others to follow their lead."
The First Minister was speaking as he officially
opened Marine Harvest's new state of the art harvesting
facility in Mallaig. Working with the most advanced
well-boat in the world, the new plant can harvest and
transport around thirty thousand salmon a day. The fish
from Mallaig reaches markets and customers around the
world.