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Ministerial Foreword
This consultation provides a welcome opportunity for all those with an interest in aquaculture and freshwater fisheries to influence the content of the draft Bill before it is introduced to the Scottish Parliament in June of next year.
On aquaculture, the Bill provides us with an opportunity to take new powers to help realise the 'vision' of the Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture and deliver our partnership commitment to support the aquaculture industry. I believe that only by tackling important issues such as containment, sea lice, fish health and farm relocation, will we deliver an industry that is truly sustainable, diverse, competitive and which operates in harmony with the environment. The proposed provisions represent a statutory minimum that is intended to act as a legal 'backstop' should any companies fail to meet the industry's standards of good practice.
On freshwater fisheries, I have been extremely impressed by the level of debate and discussion within the freshwater community since the launch of the Green Paper on freshwater fisheries in 2001. More recent developments such as the establishment of the Freshwater Fisheries Forum have given our stakeholders a valuable opportunity to formalise their thinking on the future of salmon and freshwater fisheries in Scotland. The proposals in this consultation paper draw heavily on this debate and the actions identified in the Green Paper.
But this consultation paper goes further and looks beyond the Bill and considers factors relating to future management arrangements, access and the related funding issues necessary to enhance the future for anglers, fishery owners and the environment.
These proposals will make a positive and very real contribution not only to aquaculture and freshwater fisheries but to the economy and environment of rural Scotland. I invite you to give your views on any of the issues raised in this paper and use this opportunity to help shape the future sustainability of these vitally important sectors.
Rhona Brankin
Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development
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