New approach to siting fish farms

They will examine how best to maximize the use of the country's coastline in a sustainable way, to help an already valuable industry expand further.

Minister for Environment, Michael Russell, who announced the new approach yesterday, said:

"Aquaculture has become a vitally important industry to Scotland, generating £350 million per year to our economy.

"However, there is considerable untapped potential on our shores, and with Scotland already famous for its salmon, we should take advantage of this opportunity.”

But he underlined the importance of a sustainable development of the industry, and said it would be a fundamental remit of the group.

"The Expert Group that I am announcing today (Thursday 17/0/08) will be made up of key interested parties and I look forward to considering their recommendations later in the year."

Invited Membership of the Expert Group to Develop a Rational Approach to the siting of Aquaculture Facilities in Scotland include fisheries industry organisations, environmental and marine agencies, Government Directorates and regional enterprise companies.