Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Fergus Ewing on 30 October 2020
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the Farmed Fish Heath Framework.
Scotland’s Farmed Fish Health Framework seeks to support a progressive approach to fish welfare and health management, which in turn will contribute to greater sustainability and productivity of one of Scotland’s most important food sectors and contributors to our rural economy.
Under the Framework, significant progress has been made to develop an evidence based approach to how the health and welfare of farmed fish is supported in Scotland. In July 2019, I provided Parliament with a comprehensive overview of the significant progress achieved so far under all the workstreams.
Since then, the steering group taking forward the Framework considered the workstreams and approach taken; has reflected on lessons learned; and, recommended a review of the structure of the delivery mechanisms to help ensure future effectiveness and efficiency to make more rapid progress. I can therefore announce that as a result of that review, a new governance structure is being put in place and a refreshed approach will be implemented which prioritises those work streams of Scotland’s Farmed Fish Health Framework which stand to make the most direct impact on fish health in Scotland.
I can also announce that Dr Sheila Voas, Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, will be the new single chair of a redesigned steering group.
The new steering group will focus on three priority workstreams:
1. Mortality by cause analysis with the associated framework activities to:
2. Climate Change and Ocean Acidification with the associated framework activities to:
3. Treatments (including Medicines) with the associated framework activities to:
Many people and organisations have already contributed their time and efforts to deliver the Farmed Fish Health Framework to date and I thank them for their involvement and would encourage them to continue their commitment to improving fish health and welfare in Scotland through the Framework’s workshop approach will allow relevant stakeholders to continue to contribute.