May 24, 2024

UK minister urges salmon industry to do more in face of critics

UK government minister Lord Benyon has praised the contribution of the United Kingdom's salmon sector to the national economy, but he also advised that the industry has more to do if it is to address its critics.

The Minister of State for Climate, Environment and Energy, a joint post with both the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), was opening the Blue Food Innovation Summit in London on May 22.

He noted the scale and importance of the salmon industry, which accounts for £761 million (US$969 million) of gross value added, £1.2 billion (US$1.5 billion) in revenue and around 4,000 jobs. He also, however, acknowledged problems with the sector, including sea lice, recent high levels of mortality and use of antibiotics.

Lord Benyon said: "The salmon sector is already investing in technical solutions But more needs to be done. I'm proud to see the UK leading the way in sustainable salmon farming."

He added that Defra has funded research projects to help tackle sea lice.

The minister also said that Brexit had changed the policy framework for the UK, with flexibility to set national priorities including protecting the marine environment and the sustainability of fisheries. Fisheries Act 2020, for example, sets out climate change, sustainability and marine ecosystems as key issues for fisheries policy.

Additionally, he highlighted the potential for expanding the seaweed industry and said that Defra has been working with the Marine Management Organisation to improve the licensing process.

"We are rightly proud of the sustainable and traceable seafood that is produced around our coast," Lord Benyon said.

- Fish Farmer