The deadline for the overhaul of Scotland’s aquaculture regulation has come and gone, with tomorrow (10th February) marking one year since the conclusion of Professor Russel Griggs report for the Scottish government. The report found that the current regulation of Scotland’s salmon farms was “not fit for purpose” and needed urgent change to meet the potential of the blue economy and help rural and coastal communities.

“We urge the government to swiftly adopt the recommendations so that Scottish farm-raised salmon can continue to be one of our country’s greatest success stories” – Tavish Scott, CEO of Salmon Scotland. This is not the first time Scott has urged the British government to find a solution. He also called for it following the EU’s announcement to take legal action against the UK for breaching important parts of the Brexit agreement for Northern Ireland.

Griggs’ report suggested that the consent and licensing process for salmon farmers is overly lengthy and that there are too many regulatory bodies involved, leading to significant planning delays and bureaucracy. A more streamlined system, similar to that adopted in Norway, would allow Scotland’s salmon farming sector to compete with its Scandinavian neighbors, driving sustainable growth and generating more for the economy.

The Scottish government immediately accepted Griggs’ report and its findings, including the recommendation to work with all parties to create a 10-year framework for each part of the aquaculture sector within 12 months.

As the one-year deadline approaches, the salmon industry is eagerly awaiting the government’s response and the adoption of the recommended changes.