§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what research is currently being made into the future of fish farming; and what future action he proposes taking on the matter.
§ Mr. RossSince the techniques and requirements for fresh water fish farming are already well known, research effort, in which a number of institutions and organisations are involved, is now mainly directed to fish farming in a marine environment. Current work in Scotland includes basic research by the marine scientists of my Department into the environmental conditions necessary for successful fish farming in the sea and means of enriching these conditions; practical experiments under the auspices of the White Fish Authority in rearing young plaice in an artificial sea loch at Ardtoe and also in warm water from the Hunterston Power Station; and investigations by the Scottish Marine Biological 107W Association into the problem involved in cultivating oysters and other shellfish.
The research involved in these and other projects represents a considerable expenditure of effort. It will be pressed forward as rapidly as possible with the aim of solving the many problems inherent in developing fish farming as an alternative source of supply for the market.