The Environment
An asset to be protected
The environment is an asset to be protected, both now and for future generations. Designations of special sites of environmental value have been recognised in Scotland for many decades. Control and regulation to safeguard the use of the environment of both land and sea have increased over the years by creating better standards of use.
The sitting of fish farms is considered in the context of the Locational Guidelines that include environmental factors. Certain areas in Scotland are so important in terms of marine biodiversity that they have been designated Natura 2000 sites. In some cases well-established fish farms occupy the same area.
Appropriate Environmental Impact Assessments must be conducted as part of the planning application process for farm sites and farms are assessed and regularly monitored by SEPA to ensure no lasting effects on the surrounding water and environment.
Setting up a salmon farm is no easy process, requiring compliance with many and extensive environmental and planning conditions. The Marine Scotland website provides full details.