Salmon Farming (Hansard, 18 February 1988)

§ Dr. Godman
To ask the Secretary of State for Scot land if his Department is at present assessing the efficacy of the sonic seal scarer used on some marine salmonid farms; if he has any plans to curtail, modify or extend the predator control research programme; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland is currently assessing the efficacy of the sonar seal scarer used on some marine salmonid farms. Several sonar scarers designed by the Department's scentists are presently on trial. There are no plans to curtail, modify or extend the current research programme but this is kept under review.

§ Dr. Godman
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department has recently commissioned a survey, or research, into the efficacy and design of predator nets used to protect the stock at marine salmonid fish farms; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland has not commissioned or clone any such research which is seen as more appropriate for the fish farming industry itself to undertake.
731W

§ Dr. Godman
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent advice has been given by his officials to the owners and managers of marine salmonid farms, on the subject of predators; and if he will place copies of such memoranda in the Library.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland has not produced any specific written information or advice on this subject. Advice is however given on an ad hoc basis to reflect particular circumstances.

§ Dr. Godman
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department has any recent information regarding the effect of predators on the incidence of disease, levels of stress and the overall productivity at marine salmonid farms.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland has no recent information on this subject.

§ Dr. Godman
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to commission further surveys of the economic cost of predation in marine salmonid fish farming, including birds, mink and otters; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
My right hon. and learned Friend has no such plans.

§ Dr. Godman
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to devote extra resources to the research of production methods, design of equipment, protection against predators and the health and safety of those employed in the salmonid fish farming industry; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to devote extra resources to such research.