Scots to forge (aqua)cultural links with Bergen
Scotland and Hordaland are looking to develop closer aquaculture connections, following a meeting of delegates from Edinburgh and Bergen earlier this month.
Representatives from the Norwegian province of Hordaland arrived in Edinburgh with the Christmas tree that they donate to the city every year in thanks for the UK’s efforts to help liberate Norway during the Second World War.
Perhaps aided by the festive spirit and esprit de corps the delegation began to discuss other experiences that the two areas had in common and – thanks in part to members of both parties having strong aquaculture connections – it was noted that the salmon farming industries in each region have a remarkable number of parallels.
The visit was arranged by David Windmill, Edinburgh’s honorary Consul General for Norway, who was MD of Marine Harvest in both Scotland and Chile until 2000, while the Norwegian contingent included Inge Doskeland, representing the Hordaland county council, which is involved with aquaculture administration in the Bergen area.
The end result was a preliminary discussion between the two parties, who were joined by representatives of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO), the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC), Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture and the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS).
As Heather Jones, CEO of the SAIC, told Fish Farming Expert: “During the discussions it came to light that Hordaland produced 178,000 tonnes of salmon in 2014, Scotland produced 179,000 tonnes; Hordaland produces 20 tonnes of salmon per km of coast, Scotland produces 14 tonnes per km; both industries are set in similar climates with similar biological challenges too”.
David, who was also Chief Executive of Edinburgh Zoo – where one of his most famous charges was Sir Nils-Olav, a king penguin who is currently Honorary Commander-in-Chief of the Norwegian army – added that he hopes the meeting might pave the way for some more concrete collaboration in the future.
“It’s quite useful to find out what’s happening on the other side of the North Sea and to realise that we face many of the same challenges and problems. Lots of connections have now been made by the two delegations and Scotland will almost certainly send a delegation, organised by SAIC, to Bergen next spring.”
Indeed, Inge Doskeland confirms that follow-up meetings involving the aquaculture industry and R&D organisations are planned by both sides during 2016.
