Scotland to expand world aquaculture market share

The Scottish government has released a renewed strategy plan aimed at increasing Scotland's share of the world's fastest-growing food producing sector.

The Fresh Start Framework follows a wide-ranging consultation process and sets out plans for a refocused Ministerial Group on Aquaculture. It also includes specific measures to:

• Improve planning and development of fish farms
   
• Better marketing of farmed fish
   
• Tougher defences against disease
   
• Measures to ensure fewer escapes

The sub-groups will address the following issues respectively:

• Healthier Fish and Shellfish will focus on the continued improvement of defences against the spread of disease. This group will make recommendations on how effectiveness can be optimised.
   
• Improved Systems for Licensing Aquaculture Developments will focus on strategically expanding and growing the industry in appropriate areas, and addressing the issue of expired or unused consents from fish-farming companies.
   
• Improved Containment will ensure that the reduced level of fish escapes is maintained and consider the most appropriate equipment/facilities to ensure containment. International best practice will also be explored.
   
• Better Marketing and Improved Image is dedicated to promoting a positive image of Scottish aquaculture at home and abroad, and the group will raise awareness of the health, economic and environmental benefits.
   
• Access to Finance will consider what can be done to improve the situation whereby the aquaculture industry faces challenges securing finance. EFF money is already helping businesses invest in technology and support.

Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive of Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO), welcomed the renewed strategic framework for Scottish aquaculture but said the key areas in the framework should assist the development of a sustainable and profitable industry to continue attract investment in remote, rural communities.

The fish farming sector in Scotland has a farm-gate value of around GBP350 million (US$560 million), and employs nearly 6,000 people in production and processing.