Question reference: S6W-24435
- 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 whether there is a central evidence base relating to the aquaculture industry, and, if there is, how stakeholders can gain access to it.
Answer
A wide range of aquaculture research is published by universities and research institutes, both in Scotland and globally, including research by public bodies such as SEPA, as well as the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate. Summaries of research are published by the Scottish Government Marine Directorate and SEPA on their websites and peer reviewed publications by all scientists may be accessed through a range online academic journals.
We are committed to making science as accessible as possible. The Scottish Shelf Model is a good example of a shared resource with vast array of applications which can be used by developed by the wider science community. We are working together to consider future aquaculture science evidence needs. Last year, I commissioned the Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) to consider the use of science and evidence in aquaculture consenting. I look forward to working with stakeholders to further consider the recommendations made by the SSAC in their report this year.