SCOTTISH SALMON PRODUCERS’ ORGANISATION COMMENTS ON THE PUBLICATION OF THE AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES BILL TODAY (30TH JUNE)

Sid Patten, Chief Executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO), said, “The salmon farming industry welcomes the underpinning nature of the Bill and its recognition of the industry’s Code of Good Practice.  We are confident that the robust and independently audited Code of Good Practice is the most flexible and cost-effective means of achieving a sustainable aquaculture industry, but support the Bill’s broad objective to act as a legal ‘backstop’ for the very small number of companies that do not satisfactorily comply with the industry’s standards of good practice.

“A core principle of the industry’s Code of Good Practice is its evolving content, designed to embrace new developments and new science.  By adopting this Code and undergoing the independent auditing it requires, the industry can demonstrate to Government, stakeholders and customers that production standards and environmental practices reflect the best of modern aquaculture. Scottish salmon farmers recognise that such commitment to high standards is the way to secure employment and investment opportunities in the Highlands and Islands and throughout Scotland.”

The SSPO will study the Bill in detail and will comment on its provisions over the next few weeks.

Notes:

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.

END

30th June 2006

Issued by Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation.  For further information contact either: Julie Edgar, 0789 987 5151 or Ken Hughes 01738 587000 / 07974 173739.

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