Of equal importance to the Scottish economy as Sea Fisheries, the fish farming sector has a farm-gate value of around £350 million, and employs nearly 6,000 people in production and processing in Scotland.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation recently stated that developing sustainable aquaculture policy is the only way to meet surging demand for seafood.

The Fresh Start Framework follows a wide-ranging consultation process and sets out plans for a refocused Ministerial Group on Aquaculture. It also includes specific measures to: improve planning and development of fish farms; better marketing of farmed fish; tougher defences against disease; measures to ensure fewer escapes.

The Framework will also see the Scottish aquaculture industry further develop its learning culture, for example by encouraging bids from the industry to the European Fisheries Fund for the training and education needs of its workforce.

Environment minister Roseanna Cunningham, who officially launched the framework in parliament today, said: 'Scottish aquaculture is a major success story for Scotland and an important asset to our economy. Our new framework aims to write the next chapter and enhance Scotland's reputation for being at the forefront of sustainable fisheries.

'The United Nations recently stated that aquaculture is probably the world's fastest growing food-producing sector, accounting for almost half of the fish consumed in the world. Scotland must be well placed to benefit from this increased demand.

'Aquaculture is one of the lifelines of our rural economy. Primary salmon production generated local wages of more than £36 million last year primarily in the Highlands, Shetland, Argyll & Bute, Western Isles and Orkney.

'I am therefore looking forward to chairing the new Ministerial Group which will oversee some very important work that will be used to shape future policy.'

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