Assessing the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC): island communities impact assessment

Step Four – Assessment:

Does your assessment identify any unique impacts on island communities?

The assessment does not identify any unique impacts on island communities compared with mainland communities.

Impacts are expected to be positive, indirect and enabling.

Does your assessment identify any potential barriers or wider impacts?

Funding decisions have the potential to affect island communities differently due to the geographic distribution of industry and academic partners. SAIC will ensure funding mechanisms are designed to provide fair access to island-based businesses and research organisations. As the bulk of aquaculture businesses are located in Highland and Island areas, it is likely that the secondary effect of aquaculture innovation projects will be additionally beneficial in these areas.

Furthermore, island geography may present practical considerations, including:

• Travel time and cost of in-person engagement
• Reduced proximity to innovation hubs and specialist expertise
• Connectivity limitations in some locations.

How will you address these?

On balance, the new SAIC project is not likely to have an effect on island communities which is significantly different from its effect on other communities.

SAIC will consist of a virtual team with notional headquarters in Inverness, utilising hot desk and meeting room arrangements with partners.

Benefits of location:

• Close proximity to major production areas in the Highlands and Islands
• Strengthens links with island and rural communities
• Commitment to supply chain and life sciences who have a presence there

Geography does not create a policy induced disadvantage, but it is a delivery consideration.

A full ICIA will not be required and we can proceed to Step Six.