Aquaculture
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Business Case – Establishment of a New Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Function (SAIC)
This publication presents the business case for establishing a new independent Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre to coordinate research, drive sector‑wide collaboration and support Scotland’s aquaculture industry in improving productivity, environmental performance and climate resilience thr
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Assessing the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC): island communities impact assessment
This assessment considers how making SAIC an independent, voluntary innovation body may affect Scotland’s island communities. It finds no distinct adverse impacts, with likely benefits from better access to collaboration, best practice and remote engagement.
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Assessing the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC): Fairer Scotland Duty summary
This Fairer Scotland Duty assessment outlines the proposed establishment of the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster and considers its expected impacts, highlighting how the initiative may indirectly support more equitable outcomes for rural and island communities involved in aquaculture.
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Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC): business and regulatory impact assessment 2026
A business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) assessing the creation of an independent SAIC to drive innovation and support a sustainable, productive Scottish aquaculture sector.
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Assessing the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC): Consumer Duty impact assessment
An assessment of the indirect consumer impacts of establishing an independent Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster, including expected benefits, possible risks, and proposed mitigations.
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Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC) business case: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
This child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) reviews the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC). As a strategic, non‑regulatory proposal supporting innovation in Scotland’s aquaculture sector, it has no direct impact on children or young people. Any potential effects are indirect only.
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Assessing the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC): equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster, examining how the initiative supports innovation, resilience and inclusive access for aquaculture businesses while identifying no direct impacts on protected groups.
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SEPA's Sea Lice Regulatory Framework
The science and evidence used to justify and inform SEPA’s Sea Lice Regulatory Framework are areas of concern for the aquaculture industry. Ministers requested CSA Marine to engage with the sector and report back on these concerns.
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National Islands Plan Annual Report 2025
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2025 reporting year.
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Marine Fund Scotland 2026-27: general guidance notes
These general guidance notes set out information for people and organisations interested in applying to the Marine Fund Scotland 2026 to 2027.
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Land-based learning review and plan – second progress report: SG response
This reports on progress of the recommendations covering the April 2025 to January 2026 period, following the Independent Commission for Land-Based Learning - review and implementation plan: SG response - progress report.
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Fish Health Inspectorate: Sea lice data reporting guidance
Guidance for Scottish marine fish farms on mandatory weekly reporting of adult female sea lice counts, detailing required data, submission methods, valid reasons for missing counts, and enforcement actions for non‑compliance.
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National Islands Plan 2026: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) for the new National Islands Plan.
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Natural capital: marine and terrestrial economic reliance analysis
This paper summarises further analysis that expands the methodology developed in the “Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy” analysis. It proposes a methodology to assess natural capital economic reliance by output and employment across two core distinctions: marine and terrestrial.
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Regulation of fish and shellfish farm deposits: consultation analysis
Consultation analysis report on proposed changes to the regulation of deposits from fish and shellfish farms to clarify the consenting process for fish and shellfish farm developments between 3 -12 nautical miles.
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Regulation of fish and shellfish farm deposits: island communities impact assessment screening
Final island communities impact assessment (ICIA) screening completed in relation to proposed changes to the regulation of deposits from fish and shellfish farms to clarify the consenting process for fish and shellfish farm developments between 3 -12 nautical miles.
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National Islands Plan: draft
This publication has been superseded by the National Islands Plan published in February 2026.
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Scottish Animal Welfare Commission: welfare of animals as sentient beings - activity review 2025
Review of Scottish Government activity affecting the welfare of animals, as sentient beings, by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC).
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Scottish Animal Welfare Commission: welfare of cleaner fish used in the Scottish salmon industry - report
Report on the welfare of cleaner fish used in the Scottish salmon industry produced by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission.
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Scottish fish farm production survey 2024
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2024
This report is based on the returns of an annual survey questionnaire sent to all active authorised fish farming businesses in Scotland during 2024. Statistics on employment, production and value are presented.
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Fish and shellfish farm consultation
Proposed changes to regulation of deposits.
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Regulation of fish and shellfish farm deposits: Strategic Environmental Assessment screening determination
Strategic Environmental Assessment screening determination on proposals in relation to Regulation of fish and shellfish farm deposits
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Regulation of fish and shellfish farm deposits: associated impact assessments
Impact assessments carried out in relation to the regulation of fish and shellfish farm deposits consultation
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Regulation of fish and shellfish farm deposits: consultation
Consultation paper seeking views on changes to the regulation of deposits from fish and shellfish farms to clarify the consenting process for fish and shellfish farm developments.
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Proposals to extend marine planning zones: updated data protection impact assessment
Updated data protection impact assessment following end of consultation on proposals to extend marine planning zones and subsequent enactment of the proposals
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National Marine Plan 2 - planning position statement: consultation analysis
This report has been prepared based on the key findings from the National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) Planning Position Statement (PPS) consultation which ran from 5 November 2024 to 7 February 2025.
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Community engagement events for National Marine Plan 2: analysis and synthesis
This report presents findings and recommendations offered by contractors Howell Marine Consulting (HMC) to support the Marine Directorate in development of the National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2).
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Marine and freshwater: areas of research interest
This document articulates the Areas of Research Interest (ARI) for Marine and Freshwater. Resulting knowledge and innovation will support evidence-based policy development towards delivering Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision and addressing climate change and biodiversity crises.
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Science Evidence Data and Digital Portfolio Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Science, Evidence, Data and Digital Portfolio of Marine Directorate Annual Report 2024-25
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Fish farm consenting pre-application pilots: independent evaluation report
Independent review of the fish farm consenting pre-application pilots.
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Inshore waters - regulated commercial use of traps/pots to catch wrasse: fisheries assessment
A fisheries assessment of how the Scottish inshore wild wrasse fishery interacts with the Marine Protected Areas network.
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National Electrofishing Programme for Scotland (NEPS) 2023: status of juvenile Atlantic salmon and brown trout populations
The National Electrofishing Programme for Scotland (NEPS) is a statistical survey of freshwater fish populations and the pressures affecting them in Scotland, particularly water quality and genetic introgression. This report presents the latest analysis including data from 2023.
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Wild Salmon Strategy Implementation Plan: annual progress report 2024
The second annual progress report under the Scottish wild salmon strategy implementation plan covering progress in 2024.
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Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2024
Statistics on the employment, production and value of shellfish from the Scottish shellfish farming sector.
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Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2024
An Official Statistics publication
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Marine Planning Zones extension proposals: final island communities impact assessment screening
Final island communities impact assessment screening completed in relation to proposals to extend marine planning zones out to 12 nautical miles.
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Marine Planning Zones extension proposals: consultation analysis
Consultation analysis report on proposals to extend marine planning zones out to 12 nautical miles.
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Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 implementation - assessing Scotland's water environment: policy statement
This policy statement and the associated Standards and Status Directions are intended to provide stakeholders with a better understanding of our approach to the protection of the water environment through the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 (WEWS) .
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National Marine Plan 2 - planning position statement: consultation
This Planning Position Statement (PPS) is the culmination of our work to date on the development of Scotland’s National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) and consolidates stakeholder feedback, setting out the latest development of high-level objectives and policy ideas for NMP2. Take part in the consultation: https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/national-marine-plan-2-planning-position-statement/
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Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2023
This report is based on the returns of an annual survey questionnaire sent to all active authorised fish farming businesses in Scotland during 2023. Statistics on employment, production and value are presented.
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Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2023
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
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Supporting food and drink businesses
New funding to promote regional products.
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Marine planning zones - proposals to extend to 12 nautical miles: impact assessments
Impact assessments and impact assessment screenings completed in relation to proposals to extend marine planning zones out to 12 nautical miles.
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Marine planning zones - proposal to extend out to 12 nautical miles: strategic environment assessment screening determination
Outcome of the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) undertaken to assess the likely significant environmental effects of proposals to extend marine planning zones out to 12 nautical miles.
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National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report: Consultation Analysis
Analysis of responses to the consultation on the proposed scope and level of detail for the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2).
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Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2023
An Official Statistics Publication
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Emamectin benzoate (EMBZ) - environmental quality standard implementation timescales: consultation analysis
Analysis report of our consultation seeking views on the implementation timescales for the new Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) related to emamectin benzoate (EmBz) which ran from April 2023 until July 2023.
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Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation: consultation
We are consulting on legislative proposals which would enable Scottish Ministers to introduce a registration process for marine nature restoration projects, and apply Marine Conservation Orders to habitats and species undergoing restoration and standalone European marine sites.
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Rural and island community support
Spring Budget needs to invest in environment and food production.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland's Economy - Evidence Base & Policy Levers
This report presents evidence and initial recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use the available policy levers to support the transformations in Scotland’s economy needed to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
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Marine science and innovation strategy
Establishes the vision for marine science and innovation in Scotland and six outcomes to strengthen the impact of marine science, evidence and data.
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Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) consultation: Scottish Government response
Our response to the public consultation on the proposal to designate 10% of Scottish seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) by 2026.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs): consultation analysis - final report
Analysis report on the responses to the consultation on Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) which ran from 12 December 2022 to 17 April 2023.
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How much do people in Scotland value characteristics of marine and coastal areas
This report summarises the results of a choice experiment survey that was designed to capture the preferences of Scottish people towards the management of marine and coastal areas in Scotland.
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Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2022
This report is based on the returns of an annual survey questionnaire sent to all active authorised fish farming businesses in Scotland during 2022. Statistics on employment, production and value are presented.
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Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture
New strategy to support Scotland’s fish farming sector.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture
The Vision for sustainable aquaculture describes the Scottish Government’s long-term aspirations to 2045 for the finfish, shellfish and seaweed farming sectors, and the wider aquaculture supply chain.
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Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2022
This report is based on the returns of an annual survey questionnaire sent to all active authorised shellfish farming businesses in Scotland. Statistics on employment, production and value of shellfish from Scottish shellfish farms are presented.
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Developing essential fish habitat maps: report
The project helped define areas of the sea essential to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. Twenty-nine species and multiple life-stages were reviewed covering marine fish and shellfish of commercial and ecological importance, relevant to offshore wind development areas.
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Emamectin benzoate (EmBz) - environmental quality standard (EQS) - implementation: consultation
Sets out our directions to the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on the application of a new environmental quality standard (EQS) for Emamectin benzoate (EmBz). We are seeking views on the timescale SEPA should implement to apply the new EQS reducing the discharge limits for these farms.
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Salmon Parasite Interactions in Linnhe, Lorn and Shuna (SPILLS): final project report
The Salmon Parasite in Linnhe, Lorn and Shuna (SPILLS) project focused on testing and improving sea lice dispersal monitoring and modelling techniques. The SPILLS Project developed and compared different models designed to predict distribution of sea lice in Scottish sea lochs.
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Science of salmon stocking: report
The Science of Stocking report "scientific considerations in stocking policy development for river managers Scottish marine and freshwater science Vol 14 No 3" brings together the science behind the various considerations needed to be taken prior to and following stocking, with a view to aiding design of salmon management strategies that balance risks and benefits within a broad policy framework.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas: policy framework
Sets out our proposed definition and aims of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) and what this could mean for different activities taking place in Scottish waters. Also describes how we will account for socio-economic factors alongside ecological considerations and proposed new legal powers.
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Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2021
A statistical news release
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Supporting the seafood sector and supply chain
Strategy for Seafood published.
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First meeting of the Scottish Aquaculture Council
Collaboration to build a sustainable future for aquaculture.
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Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2021
Statistics on the employment, production and value of shellfish from Scottish Shellfish Farms.
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Next steps to improve regulation of aquaculture
Changes to licensing and Ministerial task group set up.
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Aquaculture - use and efficacy of Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs): report
A report into Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs) in the aquaculture sector to provide a better understanding of how they are being used, their efficacy and any potential for impact on sensitive non-target species. Records described the extent of ADD use in Scotland from 2014 to 2020.
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Support for fishing businesses and coastal communities
Next round of funding announced.
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First stage of aquaculture review complete
Process aims to deliver world-leading legislation
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New funding adds to range of salmon conservation measures
Scottish Government Responds to Salmon Interactions Working Group Report
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Aquaculture: external review of the current regulatory processes involved in fish farming
Details of the appointment and terms of references of the external review of the regulatory process involved in fish farming announced by the Scottish Government
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Aquaculture review underway
Professor Russel Griggs appointed to lead project
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Aquaculture - Acoustic Deterrent Device (ADD) use: parliamentary report
Report to the Scottish Parliament on the use of acoustic deterrent devices by the Scottish aquaculture sector at finfish farms as required by section 15 of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protection and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020.
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Supporting the Langoustine sector
£1 million assistance for new group.
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Wider economic impacts of aquaculture
New report published.
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Aquaculture vital for coastal communities
Report highlights importance of skilled workforce to future of sector.
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Support for aquaculture
Shellfish growers and trout farmers share £3 million
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Supporting the seafood sector
£10 million assistance for processing businesses during COVID-19 pressures.