Scotland and Norway sign aquaculture memorandum

Scotland and Norway have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on aquaculture to learn from each other and to further develop the two countries' industries.

Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Helga Pedersen said she is pleased that Scotland and Norway can strengthen their aquaculture cooperation, since a collaborative approach provides greater dividends than past trade disputes.

Environmental sustainability, access to finance and insurance, collaboration on research and exchange of experience on regulations are identified as the main focus areas for the collaboration.

A Joint Committee for Bilateral Cooperation on Aquaculture will be established with a first meeting to be held in Scotland in 2010. These focus areas are key elements in developing the aquaculture industry both in Scotland and Norway, Pedersen said.