In November 2018, the Rural Economy & Connectivity Committee (RECC) considered it "urgent" to improve the Scottish salmon farming industry regulation.
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The Holyrood’s Rural Affairs & Islands (RAI) Committee has confirmed that it will conduct a review of the recommendations made to the Scottish Government in 2018 to address the economic, social, and environmental issues related to the salmon farming industry in Scotland.
During nine evidence sessions, the Committee will review the recommendations done by aquaculture stakeholders; salmon farming representatives; non-governmental organisations; and regulators.
Then, it will meet with local community groups to learn more about the impact salmon farming is having on local communities. In addition, members will visit the Scottish Association for Marine Science and salmon farms to assess the current state of the sector.
Regarding this revision, Rural Affairs & Islands Committee Convener, Finlay Carson MSP, said: "Picking up the baton from our predecessors, we will find out what progress has been made in developing the industry since 2018 and how the various fish health, environmental and climate change challenges it faces are being addressed."
In November 2018, the Rural Economy & Connectivity Committee (RECC) considered it "urgent" to improve the Scottish salmon farming industry regulation and to address fish health and environmental challenges.
A total of 65 recommendations were launched to deal with sea lice, rising fish mortalities and the sector's impact on the environment. The Committee also alerted that the current standards of regulation of the sector "were not acceptable".
In January, the Marine Fund Scotland confirmed the financial support to 91 marine and fishing projects. These projects will promote innovation and sustainable practices for the marine economy, including work to reduce carbon emissions.
