The Scottish Parliament has passed the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill, which gives Scottish Executive ministers powers to contain and eradicate Gyrodactylus salaris, a serious fish disease that infects the skin, gills and fins of salmon, trout and some other species of freshwater fish. Ministers now have a range of measures, including the power to order the compulsory slaughter of fish, to fight the parasite were it to appear in Scotland.

The Bill also introduces a duty on fish farmers to collect, retain and make available for inspection information relating to fish parasites and the containment of fish.

Deputy Environment Minister Sarah Boyack said: "We want to support the sustainable development of the aquaculture and fisheries in Scotland.

“Gyrodactylus salaris would have a devastating impact if it were to arrive in our rivers. The Bill gives us comprehensive powers to eradicate that threat and we will continue to put every effort into ensuring that Gyrodactylus salaris never arrives in Scotland.

“This Bill reinforces the good practice that already exists across the industry and will increase public confidence by ensuring that all fish farm operators have to meet certain standards.

“This lays strong foundations for the future of both freshwater fisheries and aquaculture, for the benefit of the whole of Scotland.”

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