The Consultation by SEPA – Scotland’s Environmental Protection Agency – on fish farms is due to close on Monday 24th of December. 

There have been 2 reports from committees in the Scottish Parliament on  fish farms in Scotland and the need for increased regulation. You can read about that here:

Urgent Changes Needed to Address the Environmental Impact of Scotland’s Salmon Farming Industry

This is an extremely important sector in Scotland’s overall Fishing Industry and has expanded rapidly over the last decade.

“SEPA’s draft Finfish Aquaculture Sector Plan is ambitious in its aspirations for an industry where in the future:

• The Scottish finfish aquaculture sector recognises that protecting the environment is fundamental to its success and is foremost in all its plans and operations.

• The sector is a world-leading innovator of ways to minimise the environmental footprint of food production and supply.

• The sector has a strong and positive relationship with neighbouring users of the environment and the communities in which it operates.  It is valued nationally for its contribution to achieving global food security.”

Everyone is in agreement that the Status Quo is not an option. This consultation will gather views to inform the way forward.

Terry A’Hearn, Chief Executive of SEPA said:

“Public consultation is crucial to help us develop and deliver a new regulatory framework which will protect the marine environment, for the people of Scotland. Our focus is firmly fixed on ensuring we get this right and capture the views of everyone who wants to shape the way we regulate.

“Consequently, across the last sixteen months we’ve done more science, more analysis and more listening than ever before. Our three week, Scotland-wide programme of engagement has provided an invaluable opportunity to interact with local communities on the key issues which matter most to them and hear directly from a diverse range of interests, including NGOs, marine and freshwater fishery groups and representatives of the industry.”

You can access further information and the consultation by clicking on this link:

Finfish Aquaculture Sector Plan