Rural and Environment
In the news: REC Committee report on salmon farming
November 27, 2018 by Alan Bannon 2 Comments | Category Uncategorized
On Tue 27 Nov the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee published its report on Salmon Farming in Scotland
Here’s what Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing had to say about it:
“While we will carefully consider the committee’s recommendations, a number of sustainability issues identified in its report are already being addressed through the Fish Health Framework working groups and the new wild and farmed salmon interactions working group.
“Aquaculture must be delivered and developed sustainably, with appropriate regulatory frameworks that minimise and address environmental impacts. But we are also clear that the sector is hugely important to Scotland’s economy, particularly in remote and rural communities and it is disappointing that the committee has not fully explored nor analysed that economic and social contribution and benefit more fully.”
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I have only recently researched the Scottish Aquaculture industry and the proposed doubling of output by 2030. Time and time again I see the word, ‘sustainable’ used and yet, I now believe through my research, that salmon fish farming is anything but that. Please be honest. What this is all about, is creating rural jobs, making as much profit as possible, for as long as possible but to the detriment of the natural marine environment. Rearing millions of captive bred fish in inshore waters, leads to cross infection with the wild salmon population, poor fish welfare, pollution of the marine environment, legal shooting of problem seals, use of Acoustic Deterrent Devices affecting Cetacean life, the list goes on but hey, as long as there is money in it. It will be worth it!!
I have followed the development of the aquaculture industry in Scotland for the past 28 years as an environmental correspondent. I was horrified by Alex Salmond’s commitment to expand the industry (double production) with no consideration given to its then existing huge environmental impact, let alone the animal welfare concerns. Only equalled by his decision to allow Donald Trump to build a golf course on pristine Aberdeenshire dunes. The Scottish Government, led by the SNP, is keen to promote it’s Green Credentials. I am afraid that the stance over aquaculture expansion shows to me that the claims are hollow and meaningless. I am significantly appalled to have decided to no longer buy farmed salmon, and am encouraging others also not to do so. At the end of the day, the customer should call the tune. Many of us are appalled at the impacts of this industry and it is now time for the Scottish Government to sort out its act on this matter. Test your policies for their environmental credibility. Scotland’s environment matters not Just to people in Scotland, but to the rest of us living in the UK who eat food raised there and who enJoy visting the country.