Minister opens Aquaculture UK

The UK’s biggest fish farming trade show, Aquaculture UK, in Aviemore, was opened today by the Scottish Government’s employment and investment minister, Tom Arthur.

He was standing in for Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, who had to attend a Cabinet meeting.

Arthur said new First Minister John Swinney’s four priorities were eradicating child poverty, driving economic growth, meeting net zero obligation, and improving public services, and that aquaculture can help the government deliver on them all.

A bright future

Citing the £885 million that the sector is worth to the Scottish economy, and the 12,500 jobs that rely on the industry, Arthur said he welcomed the sector’s commitment to net zero.

“We see a bright future for Scottish aquaculture,” added the minister.

Arthur’s speech included an announcement the announcement of £1.5 million funding for the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC).

“Managing survival for finfish has been a challenge in the face of a number of climatic events in recent years,” said Arthur, who added that the government was committed to working with producers to improve fish health.