Phased introduction of SEPA’s Sea Lice Framework begins

The first phase of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s new Sea Lice Framework begins this month.   The Framework outlines what SEPA describes as “a proportionate, evidence-based approach to protect young salmon from sea lice”. Built on international best practice and using cutting edge science to triage risk, it will help to support the sustainable development of fish farming in…

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Mapping out the lice threat

Consultation is over and SEPA is getting ready to start enforcing Wild Salmon Protection Zones, reports Robert Outram The Scottish Government is to press forward with the roll-out of Wild Salmon Protection Zones, which will restrict fish farming in areas seen as high risk for wild salmon. The proposed regulatory framework has not, however, been…

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SEPA to go ahead with wild salmon protection zones

The Scottish Government is to press forward with the roll-out of “Wild Salmon Protection Zones” which will restrict fish farming in areas seen as high risk for wild salmon. The proposed regulatory framework has not, however, been welcomed by Scotland’s salmon industry. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has been consulting on its plans for…

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Ewing defends fish farming industry

Scotland’s cabinet secretary for rural economy and tourism, Fergus Ewing, robustly defended the aquaculture sector at a grilling by members of the Scottish Parliament yesterday. He also promised that regulatory reform was on the way. MSPs on the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee were reviewing progress made in the two years since the committee published…

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Streamlined regulation for wellboat discharges

Regulation of marine fish farming wellboats in Scotland has transferred to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The move is intended to streamline regulation by bringing the responsibility under a single body. Up until now, an operator would require a marine licence with Marine Scotland for discharges from wellboats, with a separate licence from SEPA…

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SSPO welcomes latest regulatory position on medicines

As the focus to protect public health and keep fresh food in UK supermarkets continues, the salmon farming sector has welcomed the steps taken by SEPA to create a temporary protocol which protects farmers’ health while maintaining fish welfare and environmental standards.   During the Covid19 pandemic salmon farms are protecting workers’ health by reducing…

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Regulator adopts flexible approach in virus crisis

SALMON farmers in Scotland have welcomed moves by regulators that will help them meet the challenges of producing fish during the coronavirus outbreak. With staff reductions and disruptions to processing and retail distribution, temporary measures have been agreed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and the government that allow regulatory leeway. In particular, fish…

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Minister vows to tackle fish farm licence delay

SCOTLAND’S Rural Economy Minister suggested yesterday that he would intervene to accelerate fish farmers’ licence applications. The current licensing system is a blockage to expansion that needs to be tackled head on, said Fergus Ewing, addressing the British Trout Association’s annual conference, held over two days in Stirling. The minister expressed his frustration over what…

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Mowi expects to move sites within two years

PLANS by Mowi Scotland to relocate two of its inshore farms to offshore sites could happen within two years, the company’s managing director, Ben Hadfield, told BBC Radio Scotland this morning. The proposals, announced by Mowi last week, to move the sites at Loch Ewe and Loch Duich were driven by the need to produce…

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Dawnfresh seeks local views on Bute farm

THE UK’s largest producer of farmed trout is to hold a public meeting to hear community views about its proposed farm off Bute. Dawnfresh, which already has farms in Loch Earn, Loch Awe and Loch Etive, will seek local opinions over its plans to build the new site, ahead of submitting an Environmental Impact Assessment…

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