McLeod backs aquaculture expansion
The Minister told Fish Farming Expert that: “During my visit, I had many constructive meetings with Ministers from Canada, Chile and Norway, we signed a joint statement reinforcing our commitment to work together to sustain the long term development of our aquaculture industries. I look forward to working in partnership with the world’s top producers of farmed Atlantic salmon to promote sustainability credentials, encourage further growth and continue to raise the profile of Scottish farmed salmon and the Scottish brand in a global setting through world leading research, innovation and technology.
“I also had the opportunity to meet experts and key players in the aquaculture industry to discuss best practice and insights in meeting the growing demand for salmon from around the world.
Along with Norwegian, Chilean and Canadian Ministers, I visited a Marine Harvest feed plant, a salmon farm and a hatchery to see the latest developments in Norway on feed and environmental sustainability.
“Many Scottish companies were represented at Aqua Nor including ACE Aquatec, Fish Vet Group, Grading Systems, Xelect Ltd and AKVA Scotland.
“I had the opportunity to meet with some of the exhibitors and discussed the bright future of the industry in Scotland. 2014 saw another record year for exports of farmed Scottish salmon and aquaculture now generates revenues of £1.75 billion to our economy. I reaffirmed my commitment and that of the Scottish Government to support the continued growth of our thriving, sustainable and world leading seafood sector and welcomed the sector’s continued investment in local communities and their important role in the creation of jobs and providing career opportunities for our young people in some of the most remote areas of Scotland.
“Going forward, the prospects for continued growth are excellent and if sustainable growth targets are met, the industry could be worth well over £2 billion and support 10,000 jobs a year across Scotland, by 2020”.
