SEPA BEGINS MAJOR CONSULTATION ON FISH FARMING

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is undertaking a major consultation exercise on fish farming in Scotland.

In its consultation paper, Marine Cage Fish Farming in Scotland, Regulation and Monitoring, SEPA looks at the main issues associated with the industry, and at the regulatory tools currently available to control it. The document sets out SEPA’s recommendations for future policy and practice to regulate the industry, and asks for views on this proposed course of action.

The paper is being sent this week to a wide range of interested parties including the fish farming industry, public and private sector organisations and environmental groups.

Speaking from his Dingwall office, David Mackay, SEPA’s North Region Director said:

"The marine fish farming industry has developed rapidly over the last decade, and has brought enormous social and economic benefits, particularly to some of the remoter areas of the Highlands and Islands where there is long-term unemployment and a depressed economy.

"However, fish farming is not the only industry in these areas which depends on an unpolluted environment. SEPA has a difficult task ahead in balancing these different interests and reconciling their conflicting demands on the environment. We believe the major consultation we are now undertaking will help us develop policies which do not benefit one at the expense of the other."

NOTES

The consultation document Marine Cage Fish Farming in Scotland, Regulation and Monitoring includes chapters on the legislative framework, the current state of the industry and its regulation, SEPA’s regulatory strategy, medicines and chemicals, nutrients, organic waste, hydrography, other effects of marine cage fish farming, strategic issues and resource implications. SEPA’s recommendations for action are set out at the end of each chapter. Responses must received by 31 May 1997.

The consultation document was drawn up by SEPA’s Fish Farm Advisory Group, which is chaired by Professor Mackay. The Group is charged with developing a uniform SEPA policy for dealing with the Scottish fish farm industry. During preparation of the document, the Group has had informal discussions with a range of interested parties about the appropriate level of regulation and monitoring.

Copies of the consultation paper are available from SEPA Public Affairs, Erskine Court, The Castle Business Park, Stirling FK9 4TR.