UK salmon industry invests 400 000 £ in R&D

Michael Russell MSP, Minister for Environment, says in a comment: - This is excellent news for the Scottish salmon farming industry, particularly in the same week as Aquaculture UK 2008. The farmed fish sector is of great value to Scotland and we need to ensure its sustainable economic growth for the future. I am pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to provide significant financial support to this initiative.” Sid Patten, (photo) Chief Executive of Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO), said: “This project will be highly significant in the development of new farming practices in the Scottish industry. It is hoped that the information generated will enhance sustainability, while improving both environmental performance and reducing the cost of production. “To be successful, it must report good quality, robust scientific evidence. By working closely with stakeholders, the initiatives address many of the current challenges and they will help the industry to achieve its full potential,” he added. A range of initiatives has been identified, including a scientific environmental modelling project and the adoption of new technology and husbandry practices on farms. An enhanced monitoring programme has been commissioned to develop the accuracy of predicting environmental performance of marine farms. A second initiative is to look at economic modelling of production to determine optimum sustainable farming conditions. Projects addressing alternative sea lice management strategies, the application of new technology in freshwater farms and further development of acoustic devices to deter predators are under consideration. The initiative is being managed and part funded by SSPO under the auspices of the new ‘Demonstration Project’, with financial and in-kind support from the Scottish Government, salmon farmers, businesses that supply the industry, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Crown Estate, Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum and regulators. The announcement comes in the same week as the inaugural Aquaculture 2008, which is to be officially opened by the Minister for Environment Michael Russell MSP. Exhibitors from over ten countries are to attend the exhibition and conference, with hundreds of visitors expected from all over the world.