The fund is said to be in cash under Scotland’s allocation from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) for 2008, which will be fast-tracked. It is said that the funds can be accessed up to the end of March but bids must be received by the end of the year. Environment Minister Michael Russell praised the aquaculture sector for a reduction in incidents of escaped fish in 2007 and called on the industry to reorganize thing in better way.
Russell explained that the Scottish aquaculture sector is an important key to the growth of economy. As farmed Scottish salmon recognised as a global brand, the sector is worth around £400 million every year. He urged the fish farmers to take the advantage of the funds especially at this time of financial turmoil. Russell informed that there is up to £3 million available for suitable projects that can start quickly and deliver immediate benefits.
Russell also said that a few months back in Skye he has launched a five point plan to ensure a sustainable and profitable industry for the future. He added that a 20 percent reduction in farmed fish escape events between 2006 and 2007, and early figures for 2008 suggest that the industry is on course for a significant improvement on the number of escaped fish.
According to Russell it is an excellent opportunity to publish, for the first time, a map of marine fish farm sites around Scotland. This will help illustrate the value of and extent to which our rural and coastal communities rely upon aquaculture. He added that the need for fish farms to be a good neighbour is paramount as we work to ensure a bright and prosperous future for aquaculture in Scotland.
