UK: The Scottish Parliament is nearing conclusion on salmon-farming sustainability inquiry

Scotland’s salmon-farming industry has overcome a lot of challenges over the past few years, but more work is needed to ensure it remains sustainable and prioritizes animal health and welfare into the future, according to Scotland Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform, and Islands Mairi Gougeon.Addressing a Rural Affairs and Islands Committee of the Scottish Parliament, which is conducting an inquiry into the industry, Gougeon emphasized that the sector recognizes the need for sustainable operations.“We know that the sector can only be a truly sustainable success story if economic growth goes hand in hand with positive outcomes for Scotland's communities and Scotland's natural environment,” she said. “Aquaculture is an important component of Scotland's blue economy, with farmed salmon being the U.K.'s leading food export.”Gougeon’s presentation on 13 November concluded the evidence-gathering stage of the committee’s inquiry, which is analyzing whether the nation’s ...