Scotland Initiates Second Investigation into Salmon Farming Practices
Holyrood's Rural Affairs & Islands (RAI) Committee has initiated a subsequent inquiry. The focus of this inquiry is to assess the implementation status of recommendations presented to the Scottish Government in 2018, aimed at resolving economic, social, and environmental concerns linked with the salmon farming sector.
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The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee (RECC) issued a pressing call in November 2018 for urgent measures to enhance the regulation of Scotland's salmon farming industry and tackle challenges concerning fish health and environmental impacts.
In response, the committee outlined 65 recommendations, addressing issues such as sea lice control, escalating fish mortalities, and the imperative to mitigate the industry's environmental footprint. It underscored that the existing regulatory standards for the sector fell short of acceptability.
Finlay Carson MSP, convener of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, emphasized the significance of upholding the esteemed reputation of Scottish salmon as a globally renowned premium product. He stressed the economic and social contributions the industry brings to Scotland.
Continuing the legacy of their predecessors, the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee is embarking on an assessment of industry progress since 2018 and examining the strategies in place to combat various challenges in fish health, environment, and climate change.
Through nine evidence sessions, the committee will engage with aquaculture stakeholders, salmon farming representatives, non-governmental organizations, and regulators. In September, they will convene with local community groups to gauge the impact of salmon farming on nearby communities. Additionally, committee members will undertake visits to the Scottish Association for Marine Science and salmon farms to deepen their understanding of industry developments.