This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Salmon industry and others must work together - Brankin
30/04/2001
The salmon farming industry, wild fisheries and others can co-exist - but dialogue must be intensified, Rhona Brankin said today.
Speaking during a visit to Scottish Quality Salmon in Perth, the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development said :
"During my visit to the European Seafood Exposition last week I was impressed by the quality and variety of produce available from Scotland. But competition within this market is fierce, with increasingly demanding consumers, seeking the highest standards of production and environmental management. SQS is clearly meeting these needs.
"The Executive is committed to supporting aquaculture as long as the industry applies best practice and works alongside its neighbours. It is absolutely essential for the industry to be open and frank, and work with others in facing up to the challenges which lie ahead. I am encouraged by the commitment to this process which has been already displayed by SQS.
"Good examples of this sort of collaboration are in evidence, through the Aquaculture Health Joint Working Group and the adoption of an industry Code of Practice on ISA, and recent efforts to improve containment on farms, to prevent escapes of fish.
"And I attach great importance to the work of the Tripartite Working Group which has brought fish farmers and wild fisheries interests together. I know this is a difficult process, but we must see it through.
"I am encouraged by the dialogue taking place up and down the west coast between fish farmers and wild fishery interests and the efforts to establish Area Management Agreements. A positive start has been made, but during the course of this year we need to press ahead and build on the progress that has been made.
BACKGROUND
- Scottish Quality Salmon (SQS) is the integrated, quality-led trade organisation for the Scottish farmed salmon industry. Further details of its activities can be obtained from Julie Edgar, SQS, 01738 587000.
- The Tripartite Working Group (TWG) was established in June 1999 against a background of declining stocks of salmon and sea trout off the north west coast of Scotland and recriminations between wild and farmed salmon interests in the area. The purpose of the Group is to address problems common to salmonid farming and wild salmonid fisheries and to seek solutions for ensuring the maintenance of a healthy stock of wild fish whilst at the same time promoting a sustainable aquaculture industry. Membership of the Group is drawn from SERAD, the salmon farming industry and wild fisheries interest groups.
News Release: SE1127/2001
30 Apr 2001