The Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture outlines five key

areas for development to ensure a sustainable and profitable industry.

It aims to achieve:

* Healthier farmed fish

* An improved system for new developments

* Less escapes from farms

* Better marketing of farmed fish

* Finance for new developments.

Flexible ways of working and a new direction for the Ministerial

Working Group on Aquaculture are also being proposed.

The Framework has been developed in partnership with the sector and

will now be subject to a full public consultation.

Speaking in Skye, Mr Russell said:

"Aquaculture is an important industry for rural Scotland, in

particular the west coast and islands where it is often a mainstay of

the community.

"Last year we produced some 140,000 tonnes of salmon worth almost #400

million, more than the value of our catching sector.

"Our farmed rainbow and brown trout industry is also worth over #10

million and we also have a successful shellfish sector worth more than

#5 million.

"It is clear, that we need to maintain a Scottish aquaculture industry

that is ambitious, thriving, growing, diverse and profitable.

"However, growth must be sustainable; economically, socially and

environmentally. The industry will support and underpin communities

and must also operate within the carrying capacity of the environment.

"The renewed framework I am launching today seeks to modernise the

sector and build on the strong foundations already in place. Much has

changed in the five years since the original framework was published.

"Technology has improved, regulations have evolved, a consultation on

a Scottish Marine Bill has started, demand for fish and shellfish is

increasing and there are a number of new challenges lying ahead. We

need a Framework in place that is relevant and flexible enough to

meet these challenges.

"I want to see a more flexible approach for delivery through a

refocused Ministerial Working Group on Aquaculture which I envisage

being a prime mover in supporting the sector.

"We must also make the best use of robust and sound science and research.

"With these improvements we will be able to drive forward the

sustainable economic growth of an industry which is vital for

Scotland."

David Sandison, Secretary of Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation

(SSPO), said:

"We welcome the new vision and hope that it will bring greater social,

economic and sustainable benefits to farmers and the many remote,

rural businesses that are reliant on a successful salmon sector.

Improving competitiveness and good governance will encourage further

investment in the salmon industry, which is key to enhancing

environmental sustainability and delivering greater social and

economic rewards."

Doug McLeod, Chairman of the Association of Scottish Shellfish

Growers, welcomed the launch, noting:

"This is an important initiative which we expect to encourage the more

effective utilisation of Scotland's inshore marine resources,

particularly in the sector of shellfish cultivation, benefiting the

economic and social future of rural and coastal communities."

David Bassett, CEO, British Trout Association added:

"It is particularly important that all species of aquaculture

production are included in the development of any strategic framework.

I welcome the opportunity to assist in the development of an expanded

and sustainable aquaculture sector; it is only through such joint

working, and by taking the mid to long term approach, that we can

start to address the significant challenges still facing our

industry."

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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