The Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) Chief Executive, Julie Hesketh-Laird, has announced her decision to leave the organisation in the autumn.
“Salmon farms and seals can co-exist quit happily but seals can also inflict vicious and widespread damage on salmon farms, killing hundreds of fish in each attack.
“Rebuilding markets after Covid-19 crisis needs a concerted effort.” says SSPO.
The Scottish salmon sector is calling on the UK and Scottish Governments to support market access following a significant downturn in export sales through the first quarter of this year.
After 18 months of deliberations, the first of a series of working groups to help protect wild salmonids has delivered its recommendations in a new report.
Official export statistics published by HMRC show that the Scottish salmon farming sector reacted swiftly to the impact of coronavirus as it began to spread through Asia and into Europe.
Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing has paid tribute to Scotland’s fish farming workers for keeping the supply of fresh salmon, trout and shellfish reaching UK supermarkets.
As the focus to protect public health and keep fresh food in UK supermarkets continues, the salmon farming sector has welcomed the steps taken by SEPA to create a temporary protocol which protects farmers’ health while maintaining fish welfare and environmental standards.
The salmon farming sector has welcomed the temporary regulatory flexibility agreed with SEPA and Marine Scotland to help manage the impacts of reduced staff availability and disruption to processing and retail distribution as a result of Covid-19.
Hamish Macdonell, Director of Strategic Engagement for SSPO, said:
