§ 25. Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has evaluated the marine environment implications of the fish farming industry.
§ Mr. LangA wide range of studies have been carried out, or are currently under way to consider the environmental effects of fish farming in Scotland. These have been undertaken mainly by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, the Highlands and Islands Development Board and the Nature Conservancy Council. River purification boards in their role as pollution control authorities may carry out relevant monitoring.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland's marine laboratory is studying hydrographic, chemical and biological characteristics in order to determine the flushing times and dispersion and dilution characteristics of sea lochs, where most of Scotland's salmon farming is carried out. Studies are also being carried out to assess any chemical or biological impact of fish farming operations and to model the physical and biological processes in coastal waters.