Scottish Salmon names and shames critics

Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) is to name and shame its critics, dividing them into two distinctive groups determined either to undermine or to improve the industry.

Dr John Webster, Scientific Adviser to SSPO, will name the worst of the critics at the Fish Vet Society Spring Scientific Meeting tomorrow, which coincides with ‘Aquaculture International’ being held this week in Glasgow.

Dr Webster will tell the meeting: “The first group of critics consist of misinformed, negative sensationalists who simply trawl the internet for negative material on fish farming, like the Salmon Farm Protest Group. Most of what these people have to say is focused largely on the organisation itself, is often deliberately sensational and it has little real impact.”

He will then speak about more constructive critics like the RSPCA and the Humane Slaughter Association, which follow more long-term strategic campaigns: “Much of what these people have to say focuses on substantive issues. Their approach is constructive, industry is generally receptive, and this co-operation gives rise to ongoing benefits for all concerned.”

Sid Patten, Chief Executive of SSPO, will echo Dr Webster’s comments whilst speaking at Aqua Exchange 2006, which also coincides with ‘Aquaculture International’. He notes: “Salmon farming is often bedevilled by ill-informed criticism, however, the industry is not only willing to prove its viability and sustainability, it is displaying clear examples of this, addressing the major issues facing it.

“For example, the Code of Good Practice is a robust, authoritative and modern reflection of good aquaculture practice. With more than 300 main compliance points covering the likes of fish health and welfare, feed formulation and sustainability, as well as traceability, it incorporates the latest scientific thinking and is designed to embrace new developments.

“Misleading comments from industry critics only serve to detract from the real issues and do not reflect the overwhelming majority of good practice in Scotland,” he concluded.

The two speaking engagements come as SSPO launches its new website, www.scottishsalmon.co.uk, which Sid Patten says is designed to “put the record straight”.

ENDS

For further information or for an interview with either Dr John Webster or Sid Patten please contact Julie Edgar, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, 01738 587000 or 0789 9875151 or Ken Hughes, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, 01738 587006 or 07974 173739.

Notes to Editors:

1. Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation is a newly expanded trade organisation for the Scottish salmon farming industry, representing the industry in political, regulatory and technical issues.

2. Aquaculture International 2006 is the premier exhibition for the fish farming industry being held at the SECC in Glasgow between 17th-19th May.

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