The inaugural meeting of Scotland’s Aquaculture Industry Leadership Group (AILG) has taken place in Inverness with participants discussing challenges and opportunities for the sector as well as looking at how the sector can grow sustainably to 2030.
AILG members examined opportunities to help sustain growth, particularly in rural and coastal areas, boost long-term employment and foster industry growth. They focused on subjects ranging from marketing to regulation, skills, innovation and industry financing.
The meeting was also attended by Fergus Ewing, Scotland’s rural economy secretary, who welcomed the aspirations to support an industry potentially worth over GBP 2 billion (USD 2.5 billion, EUR 2.3 billion) to the economy, while recognizing the need to address associated biological and environmental challenges.
“The industry deserves credit for taking the initiative to establish this group. It marks an important step for the future of Scotland’s aquaculture industry and I look forward to working with all parties towards the goal of creating continued sustainable growth across this key industry,” said Ewing.
“I am confident that the group can become an engine of expertise, supporting and mentoring emerging ideas and setting a strategic framework for achieving the aspirations of the 2030 Vision through balanced and stable growth.”
