Actions to increase the productivity of Scotland’s aquaculture sector and help reduce its impact on the environment have been set out in a new strategy.

The Vision for sustainable aquaculture describes the Scottish Government’s long-term aspirations to 2045 for the finfish, shellfish and seaweed farming sectors, and the wider aquaculture supply chain.

The Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture includes measures that will:

• safeguard the natural environment
• support innovation across the sector
• ensure local communities receive lasting benefits from aquaculture
• promote new infrastructure and supply chain developments

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Scotland’s aquaculture sector is a significant contributor to our economy. Farmed salmon continues to be hugely popular in both domestic and foreign markets whilst Scottish businesses are at the very forefront of global innovation within the industry.”

Reaction to the launch of the Vision

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, commented: “We welcome this vision which puts salmon farming at the heart of the country’s economic growth plans, helping Scotland’s journey to net zero and supporting healthy diets.”

The industry is being told, however, that it will have to contribute its expertise and resources to restoring and improving the marine environment and biodiversity. The principles set out in the vision statement say that the polluter should pay for damage done, and that it should seek to prevent damage rather than clearing up afterwards.

Streamlined consent process

The vision seeks to balance the industry’s demand to have an efficient and transparent process for securing consent for developments.  That has been hampered by rules that require four different Scottish government agencies to consult with each other on industry application.

A streamlined process, including Marine Scotland, Crown Estate Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, is to be trialled this year.

The Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture by the Scottish Government can be read here.