Norwegian-Scottish collaboration welcomed by Scottish salmon farmers

The Memorandum of Understanding pledges to safe-guard and develop the multimillion pound aquaculture industry through the sharing of research and information.

The agreement was signed by Scotland Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham and Norweigan Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Helga Pedersen.

It will amongst other things establish a Joint Committee for Bilateral Cooperation on Aquaculture that will initially focus on environmental sustainability, access to finance and insurance, collaboration on research and development, and regulations and understanding.

Responding to the memorandum, Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive of SSPO told FishfarmingXpert:  “We welcome the collaborative approach between the Scottish and Norwegian Governments, as it demonstrates the strong political support for the sustainable development of our sector. 

“As aquaculture is a vital food sector in Europe playing an important role in economic development, job creation and producing healthy products of high quality, it is extremely encouraging that the strategic importance is recognised at the highest levels.   

“We hope that this statement of political intent will bring new impetus to the economic, environmental and social sustainability of our sector by working together to continue to promote the high health status of our respective industries and our joint emphasis on bio-security, as well as encouraging investment, innovation and expansion of market demand.”