This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Locational guidelines for fish farms
16/01/2003
New guidelines governing the location of fish farms in
Scotland were published today.
The guidelines were revised following consultation with
fish farmers and their trade organisations, local
authorities, SEPA, wild fishery interests and environmental
non-governmental organisations.
The Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural
Development Allan Wilson said:
"The review of guidelines looked at a range of issues
including how areas for development are categorised, the
role of local authorities, new species, and separation
distances between sites and between sites and natural
heritage areas.
"Since these guidelines were first introduced three
years ago, there have been significant developments in that
relatively short time. Consequently, it was decided to
review the effectiveness of existing guidelines.
"These guidelines, together with the aquaculture
strategy being developed by my Working Group, will
facilitate the sustainable development of the industry. I
am committed to ensuring environmental impacts are balanced
with the socio-economic benefits to fragile, rural
communities."
The Locational Guidelines for the Authorisation of
Marine Fish Farms in Scottish Waters provide guidance on
the factors to be taken into account when considering
proposals for new marine fish farms or modifications to
existing operations;
They also establish the national context for the
preparation by planning authorities of non-statutory fish
farm framework plans, for guiding the location of future
fish farms.
Since publication of the Guidelines in 1999 there have
been a number of significant developments within the
industry, including the outbreak of Infectious Salmon
Anaemia, the Tripartite Working Group process, and the
commercialisation of new farmed species. Additionally,
there has been a review of regulations governing
aquaculture, and the development of a strategic framework
for Scottish aquaculture is ongoing. Because of these, as
well as emerging natural heritage requirements, a review of
the Guidelines was needed to ensure their continued
'fitness for purpose'.
On 23 December the Executive published a draft Strategic
Framework for Aquaculture, based on the work of a range of
stakeholders under the direction of the Ministerial Working
Group on Aquaculture, chaired by the Deputy Minister for
Environment and Rural Development.
Further details about the revised guidelines and the
Strategic Framework can be found on the Scottish Executive
website at
www.scotland.gov.uk/about/ERADRA/FFAME/00015953/