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2 February, 2010
 SHETLAND
MSP Tavish Scott has warned the islands could lose their
powers to control fish farming in local waters this week.
Mr Scott warned that a Labour amendment to the Marine Bill
could pass regulation of aquaculture from Shetland Islands
Council into the hands of the Scottish government.
Mr Scott has been working with Shetland Islands Council to
lobby Parliament, which debates the final stages of the bill
on Thursday. Labour’s proposals have the backing of the
Conservatives, but not the SNP administration.
"Shetland has managed the enormous growth of salmon farming,
mussel farming and other sea farms over the past 25 years,”
Mr Scott said. |
"The islands’ ability to
take responsibility for these developments, while
recognising the environmental impact, has been shown over
many years.
“There are already plenty of Scottish-wide bodies such as
SEPA and SNH which have a legitimate and central role in
considering new and existing fish farm developments. So I
cannot see why centralising more powers in Edinburgh with a
central government department makes any sense. I am pleased
the Scottish government does not want this change.”
Mr Scott has urged council convener Sandy Cluness and other
councillors to make representations to all the Highlands and
Islands list MSPs, saying the industry was keen to keep
control in local hands. |
