15 June, 2008

SALMON was on the menu when Scottish environment minister Michael Russell met with Norway’s fisheries minister Helga Pedersen, in Oslo on Friday.

The two ministers discussed closer co-operation between their countries on aquaculture in the light of the likely removal of the EU minimum import price on imported salmon from Norway.

Friday's meeting followed on from an industry summit in Scotland, hosted by Mr Russell on 10 June.

The ministers also agreed to set up a joint working group between industry, government officials and academics, to discuss the impact of climate change on aquaculture.

Mr Russell said: "Scotland's aquaculture sector is one of its prized assets. Last year we produced some 140,000 tonnes of salmon worth around £380 million and hundreds of jobs depend on fish farms.

"It is therefore vital that we do everything we can to ensure Scottish aquaculture remains prosperous.”

Mr Russell was visiting Norway in his capacity to discuss the re-introduction of beavers and sea eagles to Scotland. He also took the opportunity to discuss possibilities for a strengthened and deepened co-operation between Scotland and Norway on aquaculture.

In their discussion, the two ministers also touched on other issues of common interest, such as rural development, access to the Russian market and increasing fuel costs. Mr Russell also met Norwegian environment minister Heidi Sorenson.