Question reference: S6W-24415
- Asked by: Alex Rowley, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 10 January 2024
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 22 January 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it is working with the UK Government to improve environmental standards in Scotland's salmon farming industry.
Answer
The industry in Scotland already operates to robust environmental regulations and delivers high standards and we are committed to working with the industry to make continuous improvements. In terms of environmental standards for aquaculture, most of the relevant powers are devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
The Fisheries Act 2020 and Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS) ( Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) ) set out how the Scottish Government works with the rest of the UK, including the UK Government, to manage aquaculture noting that there is a significant difference in size and different focus between the industries.
We work jointly to ensure that Free Trade Agreements safeguard the health of farmed salmon. We also work closely with the UK Government via the Aquatic Animal Health Policy Group to improve and ensure biosecurity of trade and domestic movements of live aquatic animals, minimising risk of introduction and spread of disease within UK waters.