Currently standing at an economic threshold, the cultivation of cod is now receiving a higher profile following the much-publicised cuts in cod quotas in the North Sea and other fishing grounds around the UK.

Cod is the most popular fish in our diet and demand remains high, with the majority of fish imported due to the decline in UK landings. The development of marine aquaculture for species such as cod will help bridge this imports gap and form a welcome addition to the marketplace in the eyes of many.

The British Marine Finfish Association (BMFA) predicts that cod farming in the UK will provide major economic benefits to coastal communities and will provide a boost to the hard-hit fish processing infrastructure desperately looking for supplies, particularly for smaller businesses who rely on a high quality fresh fish, rather than frozen.

It is estimated that around 100 tonnes of farmed cod were sold on the market in 2002 with UK operations focusing on producing cod at the top end of the market, around two kilos in size, competing with imported Icelandic fillets, not the smaller UK landed fish. UK annual farmed cod production is likely to rise to over 3,500 tonnes within the next four years. Production could soar to around 30,000 tonnes within the next 20 years.

"We have a tremendous opportunity to become a market leader in providing a healthy, high quality food product for which there is a strong consumer demand," says Alastair Barge, chairman of the BMFA.

"The knock-on economic benefits of a successful cod farming industry are immense, providing high quality jobs in economically fragile areas and helping our indigenous fish processing industry."

A key component of cod farming lies in its sustainable development, with BMFA members recognising that environmental protection is a priority. Positive aspects of cod farming include their low requirement for fish oil. They do have a high protein requirement but this may be partially supplied by plant protein - an issue currently being researched.

The BMFA offers a whole range of benefits for its members - for example, it has been involved in the lobbying process to influence fish health legislation in Scotland and is currently working closely with regulators. The Association is also developing codes of practice for the farming of cod and other marine species. Building relationships with large-scale purchasers of cultivated marine fish is another goal of the BMFA so as to assist members in achieving the best possible prices for their product.

· For more information on BMFA membership contact, Jim Buchanan, secretary, on tel: 0131 440 2116, fax: 0131 448 2461, jim.buchanan@onyxnet.co.uk