Rural Affairs and Islands Committee
Salmon farming in Scotland
The Committee is holding a follow-up inquiry into the implementation of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee’s (RECC) session 5 report recommendations for salmon farming in Scotland.
The report considered the state of the salmon industry in Scotland, identified opportunities for its future development and explored how fish health and environmental challenges could be addressed.
This inquiry will look at the report's recommendations and assess where progress has been made across four themes:
- environmental impacts and regulatory reform
- animal welfare
- interactions with wild salmon
- economic and social benefit
Previous committee work on salmon farming
In August 2021, Professor Russel Griggs was tasked by the Scottish Government to deliver a first phase of a review into the regulation of aquaculture. Professor Griggs reported his findings and recommendations in February 2022 and these were then accepted in principle by the Scottish Government. Professor Griggs gave evidence to the Committee on 22 June 2022.
Appointment and terms of reference for the Review of the Aquaculture Regulatory Process in Scotland
Official Report for the Committee’s meeting on 22 June 2022
The Committee held an evidence session with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands on 10 May 2023 which focused on the Scottish Government’s progress in responding to the recommendations in the RECC report and the Griggs review.
Official Report for the Committee’s meeting on 10 May 2023
Timetable
The Committee has agreed a timetable for the inquiry to take place in 2024. Please note these dates may be subject change.
5 June
Evidence from non-governmental organisations and aquaculture scientists
12 June
Evidence on farmed fish health
Evidence from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
19 June
Evidence on licensing and consenting issues
26 June
Evidence from the Salmon Interactions Working Group
22 to 23 September
Committee visit
25 September
Evidence from salmon farming industry representatives
2 October
Evidence from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands
A record of all the committee meetings