ATLANTIC SALMON TRUST RESPONSE TO SCOTTISH SEA LICE CONSULTATION

Atlantic Salmon Trust response to Scottish sea lice consultation. Last week the Atlantic Salmon Trust submitted its formal, technical response to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) consultation on ‘Detailed proposals for a risk-based, spatial framework for managing interaction between sea lice from marine finfish farm developments and wild salmonids in Scotland.’ This consultation process relates to the development of ‘Wild Salmon Protection Zones’ along the West Coast of Scotland.

The Trust says:

“We believe that, in order for the proposed framework and Wild Salmon Protection Zones to provide effective protection for wild salmon and sea trout from sea lice emanating from salmon farms, they must meet these three key criteria:

– Provide year-round protection for wild salmon and sea trout.
– Set sea lice threshold levels which are in line with the highest international standards.
– Apply to all existing salmon farms, not just ‘new or expanding’ farms.

“Above all, the proposed regulatory framework must meet the tests of being robust, transparent, enforceable and enforced.”

The Trust adds:

“The Atlantic Salmon Trust remains committed to engaging constructively with the process of development for Wild Salmon Protection Zones on the West Coast of Scotland. Our extensive and detailed response to this consultation is indicative of the potential we see in supporting the underlying principle that numbers of sea lice emanating from finfish farms should be managed within a regulatory framework which fully protects wild salmonids.

“However, in its current form, the proposals lack clarity and require fuller explanation. Our response articulates that this should be in both a technical capacity, but also a non-technical version so that members of the public can fully understand the measures being taken. We ask SEPA to reflect on our response, its responsibilities as a regulator, and the Scottish Government’s commitments, to ensure that the next iteration of its proposals aligns with those commitments.

“Effective regulation would mark a positive turning point for our wildlife, our shared natural and cultural heritage, and help to restore wild salmonids for the benefit of the environment and future generations of people.”

Photo credit: The Atlantic Salmon Trust 

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