This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture

21/07/2006

The latest update to the Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture was published today, setting out key achievements which have already been met to help create a sustainable, diverse and competitive industry.

Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said:

"We want to build a sustainable, diverse and competitive aquaculture industry here in Scotland and the information published today proves we are making good progress on a range of fronts towards achieving that goal.

"They include training opportunities for those involved in the industry and introducing measures to reduce disease incidents.

"Close partnership working to develop local solutions has been key to delivering these targets and I would expect that joint approach to continue."

The Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill has now gone before the Scottish Parliament which will help realise the vision of the Strategic Framework.

Background

The Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture (SFSA) can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/11/20307/47268 .

The SFSA was developed by the Ministerial Working Group on Aquaculture (MWGA). The MWGA is chaired by the Deputy Minister for the Environment and Rural Development and is comprised of a wide range of Stakeholder interests, including industry, wild fisheries, environmental NGO's and other public bodies. The Framework applies to all forms of aquaculture (both finfish and shellfish) in the marine and freshwater environment. The shared vision seeks to deliver an aquaculture industry that is sustainable, diverse, competitive, economically viable and works within the carrying capacity of the environment.

The SFSA was launched in March 2003. Appendix 3 detailed 55 specific Action Points for stakeholder organisations (including the Scottish Executive) that flowed out of the 33 agreed Priorities for Action (PfA). Progress was last reviewed in November 2004. The SFSA envisages that every 12-18 months the Executive will publish a revised version of Appendix 3 that will include new or revised actions and an explanation of the reasons for any delays in meeting targets. The MWGA met in April 2006 to review progress on implementation of the PfA and to undertake the revision of Appendix 3. The Group concluded that good progress was being made. The revised Appendix 3 is now ready for publishing.

Some notable successes

• The vast majority of the salmon farming industry now operate to a Code of Good Practice (CoGP) - this process was developed through the SFSA and has had stakeholder involvement in producing the final document

• The Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill recently introduced to the Scottish Parliament will make real the vision of the Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture by underpinning the voluntary approach set out in the industry's Code of Good Practice

• Skills gaps in the industry have been identified and filled by appropriate training programmes to assist in the development of staff in the industry through SVQ programmes, the Scottish Progression Award and Modern Apprenticeships

• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships have been extended to Aquaculture and provide a vehicle for academia and industry to work together to develop solutions through the placing of graduates to work on specific projects that will assist business development

• A scoping study reviewing research on field data on louse infection levels on wild salmonids has been completed and will be useful in helping in the location/relocation of fish farms in the future so as to minimise contact with migratory wild fish