Salmon Scotland raises concerns about proposed marine activity ban in letters to First Ministerial candidates
The trade body for Scottish salmon has written to all three First Ministerial candidates to seek continued support for the sector and to raise concerns about proposed ban on marine activity in stretches of water.
Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott urged the MSPs to recognise the economic contribution of salmon farms, address the nation’s rural housing crisis, and take action to streamline the aquaculture licensing regime.
Addressing the consultation currently under way on Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), which would see around 10 per cent of coastal waters around Scotland closed to human activity, Mr Scott said a “thorough understanding of the impact on business, livelihoods and communities is essential”.
SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes has pledged to scrap the proposal, and has also said she would consult on which of Marine Scotland’s statutory responsibilities could be “more effectively delivered by local authorities”.
Mr Scott welcomed her comments and said: “Kate Forbes looks open minded on further reforms and if she becomes our First Minister we would welcome an early discussion with her on these important policy developments and how they could benefit the sustainable growth of the sector.”
In his letter to all candidates, Mr Scott wrote: “As a key contributor to the economy, our sector recognises the importance of collaboration and dialogue with government.”
He also praised Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon for being a “tireless champion for Scottish salmon”.
In his letter to Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf, Mr Scott wrote:
“On behalf of the trade body for the Scottish Salmon sector, I wish to express our strong desire to continue the positive relationship we have with the Scottish Government.
“We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with your colleague Mairi Gougeon, who has been a tireless champion for Scottish salmon.
“We look forward to the decision that your party will make and Parliament in appointing a new First Minister and ministers.
“Scottish salmon adds £760 million-a-year to the country’s economy, we are the UK’s biggest food export, and the sector employs more than 2,500 people in fragile, coastal communities across rural and island Scotland, with a further 10,000 Scottish jobs dependent on the supply chain.
“As a key contributor to the economy, our sector recognises the importance of collaboration and dialogue with government.
“Therefore, I am writing about some specific policy areas where we would seek your assistance and support if you are successful in becoming the new SNP leader.”
On HPMAs, Mr Scott wrote:
“Your government is currently consulting on designating 10 per cent of Scotland’s coastal waters as HPMAs.
“We ask that government thoroughly consider the social and economic impacts of this policy on the sectors, industries and communities that operate in Scotland’s coastal regions, as well as those that are impacted across Scotland, through the supply chain.
“That is yet to happen and if government does proceed with this policy, a thorough understanding of the impact on business, livelihoods and communities is essential.”
Addressing the rural housing crisis, he wrote:
“We would like to work with the Scottish Government to address the provision of adequate and affordable housing, infrastructure, and services for rural communities.
“Our farming companies already provide accommodation for employees and their families, but many staff simply cannot find homes near their work.
“We propose that £10 million of the rents paid by salmon farmers to Crown Estate Scotland be ringfenced for direct investment in rural housing. We would be delighted to discuss this with you.”
More than one year since the independent review of aquaculture by Professor Russel Griggs for the government, Mr Scott added:
“Prof Griggs published his conclusions in February 2022, stating that the current set-up needs urgent change to deliver on the full potential of the blue economy. We agree.
“The consents and licensing process for salmon farms is unnecessarily long and complex, with several regulatory bodies involved, leading to delays, uncertainty, unnecessary cost and bureaucratic procedures.
“If the system is streamlined, as Prof Griggs recommends, our sector can be more competitive on the global arena.
“Our ask is for faster progress on implementing Prof Griggs’ recommendations, which have already been accepted by the Scottish Government.”
Mr Scott concluded:
“I would welcome a meeting with you to discuss these issues and the future of our sector.
“I also extend an open invitation for you to visit any of our members’ farms and the supply chain businesses who operate in every part of Scotland.”