The Scottish Wildlife Trust has repeated its calls for stricter controls on fish farming. The Aquaculture & Fisheries Bill is an opportunity to bring about change that would see improved management of Scotland's waters. By taking care of our waters this Bill will reduce some of the threats to Scotland’s precious environment.

The Trust’s call comes as The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment committee launches its call for views on the Aquaculture & Fisheries Bill, published earlier this month. The Bill includes new requirements to co-ordinate fish farm management, technical standards for farm equipment to prevent escapes and sampling to trace the origin of escapes.

The Trust will be responding to the committee, presenting the case for controls that ensure we have healthy seas and rivers long into the future.

Scottish Wildlife Trust Living Seas Policy Officer Alex Kinninmonth said:

“Scotland’s coastal waters are home to fabulous wildlife including seals and basking sharks and are vital areas for migrating salmon.  Coastal economies rely heavily on that mix of clean waters and biodiversity and so it’s of paramount importance that environmentally damaging activities are appropriately controlled.”