Question reference: S6W-23642
- Asked by: Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 6 December 2023
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 7 December 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on SEPA’s proposed sea lice framework to manage interactions between sea lice from finfish farms and wild salmonids.
Answer
I can advise Parliament that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has today published its response to its recent consultation on ‘Managing interactions between sea lice from finfish farms and wild salmonids in Scotland’ .
Our Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture values the role of aquaculture in producing world-renowned healthy and quality seafood, whilst recognising that its delivery and development must be sustainable.
SEPA’s finalised sea lice framework follows an extensive period of consultation. The framework will support sustainable development of fish farming worth over £1 billion to our economy, ensuring our communities continue to realise the benefits of aquaculture, by guiding development to the least-sensitive locations and protecting the environment, whilst making the development process more efficient and effective.
The framework will be implemented in phases and will adopt a proportionate, evidenced and risk-based approach to management. From February 2024, the framework will be used to assess all new and expanding fish farm developments.