Question reference: S5W-35591
- Asked by: John Finnie, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 1 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 5 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what level of damage to the marine environment it would support in furtherance of the economic interests of the salmon farming industry.
Answer
The environmental impacts of aquaculture largely depend on the circumstances in which the fish are produced and regulated, and on both, I can confirm that we have one of the most rigorous regulatory regimes in the world.
Salmon farming is a vital sector for Scotland and a key component of our Blue Economy. It is our number one food export, and creates many thousands of highly paid, highly skilled jobs, many of which are in our most remote and fragile communities.
We will continue to support the sustainable growth of Scottish aquaculture and its wider supply chain while maintaining the right balance across our economic, environmental and social responsibilities.