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.
Step Two – Gather your data and identify your stakeholders:
What data is available about the current situation in the islands?
Evidence indicates:
- Official production and employment statistics demonstrate that aquaculture activity and employment are disproportionately concentrated in Scotland’s island and coastal areas
- Island based producers are often micro or small businesses
- Geographic remoteness can limit access to innovation networks
Do you need to consult?
No formal consultation is required since the proposal is voluntary and enabling. It does not reduce services or impose new requirements, and no adverse island-specific impacts have been identified.
- How does any existing data differ between islands?
There are differences in scale and composition of aquaculture activity between island groups, however, these differences do not create adverse impacts under this proposal.
Are there any existing design features or mitigations in place?
Yes, SAIC will offer voluntary participation and will enable remote engagement. These could minimise potential barriers.
SAIC will track participation geographically to capture whether island-based businesses are engaging proportionately. This will allow any emerging access issues linked to geography to be identified and addressed
Contact
Email: ceu@gov.scot