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HOW WE GOT HERE
Building on solid foundations
A Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture was published in March 2003 and provided a set of parameters, within which industry could develop sustainably, balancing socio-economic benefits against environmental impact. The Framework was developed and managed by the Ministerial Working Group on Aquaculture. Achievements include: the establishment of the Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum; an industry Code of Good Practice; the transfer of planning powers to local authorities and The Aquaculture & Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007.
The Framework is now 5 years old and is being renewed to take account of current issues. A 3-month pre-consultation exercise has been completed, during which stakeholders were asked to identify the issues they felt should be addressed in a renewed framework. This included a Ministerial letter to a wide range of aquaculture stakeholders, bilateral meetings with key stakeholders and roadshows in Inverness, Oban, Shetland and Stornoway. Stakeholder responses have formed the development of this consultation document.
Whilst the Strategic Framework has made good progress, the pre-consultation process clearly highlighted the major challenges to be addressed. We now need to build on the strong foundations and seek to maximise the benefits from the aquaculture industry in a long-term sustainable way.
The Main Challenges
The main challenges for the aquaculture industry identified by the pre-consultation exercise are outlined below:
- A strategy to control sea lice is required to protect the health and welfare of both farmed and wild Salmoids. This is crucial for the long-term future of the finfish industry in Scotland;
- There is a perceived lack of available sites for expansion of aquaculture in Scotland. A strategic approach to the siting of farms to facilitate sustainable expansion of the aquaculture industry is required. This will be informed by the recommendations of the Expert Group on sites. Any new approach will have to sit within the marine planning framework being developed as part of the Marine Bill;
- Fish farm escapes continue to be an important issue for the industry and its stakeholders. By addressing containment, the fin-fish industry will reduce potential impacts on the environment; be seen as a good neighbour and, by limiting stock loss, increase profitability;
- The Scottish aquaculture industry faces stiff competition from other countries. It must rise to this challenge and capitalise on its strengths by promoting the positive aspects of the Scottish quality brand to secure markets home and abroad;
- There are also clear difficulties for businesses, particularly for smaller companies, to secure finance. Mechanisms are needed to facilitate access to financial support and potential investors must be encouraged to view the industry as a long-term viable business.
"We now need to build those strong foundations and seek to maximise the benefits from the aquaculture industry in a long-term sustainable way."
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