Salmon inquiry report expected in early autumn
The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity (REC) committee now expects to publish the report into its inquiry into Scottish salmon farming in the early autumn, convener Edward Mountain said today.
The committee, which has now completed the evidence gathering phase of the inquiry, was initially expected to produce the report before the Parliament’s summer recess, which runs from June 30 to September 2.
But the industry will have to wait a little longer to see what MSPs have decided to recommend about how fish farming develops.
MSPs have had to digest hours of evidence from a wide range of witnesses during six sessions, as well as taking into account many written submissions and a critical report from the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform committee on the environmental impact of salmon farming.
Video consultation
The REC committee also held a video consultation with accreditation body the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, although the ASC currently has no Scottish farms accredited and only one in assessment.
Witnesses who gave evidence to the inquiry included Guy Linley-Adams of angling pressure group Salmon and Trout Conservation Scotland, James Bron, Professor of Aquaculture at Stirling University’s Institute of Aquaculture, and Marine Harvest Scotland managing director Ben Hadfield.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing also gave evidence in the final witness session.
