• About us
• Air
• Climate change
• Flooding
• Land
• Planning
• Business, industry and storage
• Housing
• Cemeteries
• Energy
• Fish farming
• Mixed use schemes
• Transport and infrastructure
• Waste facilities
• Mining and quarrying
• Development planning
• Map based information
• Community planning
• SEA
• Radioactive substances
• Waste
• Water
• Science and research
• Customer information...
• SEPA Kids

Fish farming

Scottish planning policy recognises aquaculture as a nationally important industry, particularly for coastal and island communities. The Scottish Government’s policy on aquaculture is set out in A Fresh Start – the Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture .

For additional information on aquaculture, please refer to the aquaculture section of our website. For information regarding licences, permits and registrations, as well as other fish farming guidance, please refer to our fish farm page.

There are a number of issues which should be considered in relation to fish farming proposals which include those listed below. Further advice on issues outwith SEPA’s interests should be sought from your local planning office.

• Marine environment
• Consentability under SEPA regulatory regimes
• Pollution prevention and environmental management 

Application requirements for aquaculture developments

In order to speed the application process, we have examined our information requirements to ensure that only information that is really essential is sought. Appendix 3 of our guidance  (512k) on marine development and aquaculture provides a list of the minimum information requirements we expect to be submitted in support of a planning application, either as part of an Environmental Statement, or as supporting information for a marine finfish application. Please be advised that additional information may be required depending on the details of the proposal and site location.

SEPA policy and guidance 

• Marine development and marine aquaculture planning guidance  (512k)

Working arrangement

One of the key objectives under Delivering Planning Reform for Aquaculture is for public organisations to collaborate in the development of improved services. In response to this, a Working arrangement  (878kb) between SEPA, Scottish Natural Heritage, Marine Scotland Science and District Salmon Fishery Boards has been developed. This arrangement provides details of the responsibilities of each organisation, as well as why and how each organisation provides input to planning authorities on aquaculture developments (including the sharing of relevant information currently held by consultees). This will help clarify roles and responsibilities, avoid duplication and overlap, and ensure that requirements for information and analysis are proportionate.