Regulation

The most strictly regulated aquaculture industry in the world

Aquaculture is subject to a wide range of national and European regulations which are continuously evolving to take account of technological progress and the changing expectations of the end user - the consumer.

The Scottish salmon farming industry is the most strictly regulated aquaculture industry in the world, governed by over 50 regulations from ten different official bodies in the UK alone.

These statutory bodies comprise:

•    The Crown Estate
•    SEPA
•    SNH
•    Local Authorities
•    European Medicines Agency
•    Veterinary Medicines Directorate
•    Maritime and Coastguard Agency
•    Health & Safety Executive
•    Food Standards Agency
•    Marine Scotland 

SSPO communicates closely with Marine Scotland and other relevant Government departments and agencies to ensure developing regulation is practical and effective.  Detailed responses were provided to consultations throughout the legislative process of the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 and the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 to allow the industry’s views to be considered in these important pieces of legislation designed to conserve and enhance Scotland’s marine resources.

On March 2nd 2012, a response was submitted by SSPO to a contentious Consultation Paper on the forthcoming Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill in Scotland.