SEPA revises Fish Farm Regulation Policy
18 September 2000 - Ref 43/00
SEPA revises Fish Farm Regulation Policy
18 September 2000 - Ref 43/00
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has revised its policy for regulating fish farms in Scotland. The revision was agreed by the SEPA Board at its most recent meeting, and a copy of the relevant Board paper can be found on SEPA's website (www.sepa.org.uk).
The revised policy recognises that the fish farm industry in Scotland has been changing rapidly in recent years. There are for instance new technologies, an industry structure which is moving away from small, locally owned enterprises to large, multi national companies, and growing public concern over environmental impacts.
Part of SEPA's role as environmental regulator is to keep its policies under constant review and to update them to meet changing circumstances. As part of that on-going process, a paper "Policy Update on Regulation and Expansion of Caged Fish Farming of Salmon in Scotland" was agreed by the SEPA Board at its meeting on 29 August.
The Revised SEPA Policy
When considering applications for discharge consent to expand existing fish farm sites or to establish new sites, SEPA?s policy is:
1. For areas where there is a high risk of nutrient enhancement there should be a presumption against granting consent for new sites or for holding increased stock levels. Expansion will only be acceptable in exceptional circumstances.
2. For areas where there is a medium risk of nutrient enhancement, prospects for new development will be limited. New sites or the expansion of existing sites will be allowed only if balanced by environmental benefits, for example linked to the closure of other, less favoured licensed sites.
3. In areas where tidal waters are downgraded as a result of pollution from fish farms, SEPA will expect the company to achieve effective remedial action, and will review Consents where necessary to reduce maximum stock levels. Revocation of Consents will be considered in cases where the required remedial measures have not been taken or have proved ineffective.
4. In all cases, SEPA will continue to take appropriate enforcement action against fish farm operators found to be in breach of the conditions of their Consent.
ENDS
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