Scottish salmon farmers: Bill is ‘draconian’

Legislation aimed at protecting the environment could destroy the lucrative salmon farming sector in Scotland and sever an economic lifeline to fragile rural communities, industry leaders have warned.

More than 1,000 workers employed in the GBP 500?million industry have responded to the Scottish government consultation to highlight their growing concerns about the Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill, which will impose new laws on salmon farmers in an attempt to protect wild species.

Today the concerned industry will also launch a social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter as part of a “call to action” to encourage more people to oppose the legislation which they claim will cost GBP 20 million a year to implement and could drive the lucrative sector overseas to countries such as Norway, Chile and Canada.

Among the proposals that have alarmed the industry is the prospect of on-the-spot fines of up to £10,000 for salmon farm workers who breach marine licenses. Industry leaders believe such a move would result in an exodus of investors from Scotland.

Click here to read the full story from The Scotsman > 

Subscribe

Want seafood news sent to your inbox?

You may unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time. Diversified Communications | 121 Free Street, Portland, ME 04101 | +1 207-842-5500
None