14 August, 2007

REPRESENTATIVES of Scottish salmon growers will travel to Norway this week to encourage further investment into the industry.

AquaNor 2007, one of the world's biggest aquaculture events, kicks off today (Tuesday) in Trondheim, Norway and runs until Friday.

High on the agenda will be the "sustainable" growth of the salmon farming, something which the Scottish Executive is giving its full backing.

Environment secretary Richard Lochhead said: "It is critically important that we bring in further investment to this industry which plays a vital part in Scotland's rural economy.

"I want to realise the potential to increase production in Scotland at suitable sites and within the carrying capacity of the environment.

"I am keen that we continue to build on the industry's strengths and achievements for a sustainable and successful future."

Scotland is the third largest salmon producer in the world, generating more than £1 billion in worldwide retail.

AquaNor is expected to attract around 20,000 visitors from nearly 50 countries.