Proposals for planning improvements to help develop Scotland’s aquaculture industry have been published by the Scottish Government today.
The Planning Reform for Aquaculture document sets out what is required to support a successful planning application, hopefully streamlining procedures and removing possible barriers to development as well as improving decision making of public bodies in a bid to attract further investment in the aquaculture industry.
Commenting on the publication, Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "Aquaculture is becoming an increasingly important sector and, in these challenging times, we must ensure Scotland's planning system supports recovery and the long term development of our economy.
"This publication builds on the Scottish Government's work to ensure planning is increasingly efficient, joined up and effective. It will lead to more certainty and speed of decision making for the aquaculture industry, which will be vital for jobs and communities around Scotland."
A Scottish Government debate on aquaculture will take place in Parliament tomorrow afternoon, focusing on the growth of the £367m industry. Ahead of this, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said that the planning changes will allow for sustainable growth of the industry.
She added: "According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, aquaculture is the only way to meet the surging global demand for seafood. Scotland is well placed to embrace this and benefit from further investment in the sector; we are recognised globally as a land of food and drink with the iconic Scottish Salmon playing an important role in this reputation.”
Cunningham will be speaking alongside former advisor to the European Commission’s directorate of fisheries Professor Constantin Vamvakas at Holyrood magazine’s Aquaculture Framework for Scotland conference in June. For more information and to book a place at the conference, please click here.
