The Scottish Wildlife Trust says that the new Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill is Scotland’s chance to reform the fish farming industry for the better. The Trust wants Scotland to be a world leader in sustainable aquaculture and be a place where the fish farming industry protects the natural environment, which is so important to its brand.

The long-awaited Bill follows a Government consultation earlier this year on a range of proposals and sets out new powers to regulate fish farms alongside measures to improve the management of Scotland’s salmon fisheries.

The Bill aims to secure the sustainability of fish farm development, ensuring that growth occurs within environmental limits. It includes new powers to prevent fish escapes and a requirement for farms to participate in co-ordinated management agreements.

Speaking as the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill is introduced in Parliament, Alex Kinninmonth of the Scottish Wildlife Trust said: 

“This Bill could be incredibly important for maintaining and improving the quality of Scotland’s coastal waters and rivers, which support iconic species such as Atlantic salmon and sea trout.

“It’s in everyone’s interest to protect the long-term health of our coastal waters and rivers, as Scottish farmed fish has been built and promoted around the high quality of our natural environment. We want this Bill to achieve a better outcome for wildlife and the environment. This is our chance to foster a successful, sustainable Scottish fish farming industry.

“This Bill should send a clear message that industry growth must not come at the expense of the environment and the Scottish Wildlife Trust will be following it closely to make sure the legislation lives up to its aims.”