Scotland's Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development, Allan Wilson MSP, published the long awaited strategic framework for aquaculture on 24 March.

He unveiled the document at the recent Sea Change conference held in Dunblane where the key promises and challenges of the framework were discussed.

The British Marine Finfish Association (BMFA), which was represented on the ministerial working group for the framework, welcomes the launch of the document and points out that all those involved in Scottish aquaculture have worked very hard together to provide this framework for the industry to move forward.

"The document invites the industry to write its own Development Strategy and this is something we will do," states Richard Slaski, adviser to the BMFA. "It lays out a roadmap for everyone to address the issues where scientific uncertainty still remains and provides vehicles in which to deliver project initiatives in these areas."

Alastair Barge, BMFA chairman, said: "This is a framework the marine finfish industry can work within. If it does what it says it will do, this can only be good news for the marine finfish industry."

The publication of the strategic framework comes as the European Commission is promoting its own Aquaculture Strategy as part of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy and this is something the BMFA has also received enthusiastically, advocating, as it does, increased production through diversification into new species.

The Scottish framework document confirms that the Executive is committed to finfish production to help fill the employment and production 'fish gap' created by the decline of the whitefish landings and this is good news for BMFA members.

"Taking both strategies together, the development of new species is being backed by both Scotland and Europe which we heartily welcome," said Mr Barge.

Speaking at the Sea Change conference, Richard Slaski said that there was a huge opportunity for Scottish aquaculture, in which the new marine finfish species will play a big part. "Our target is that of a niche, market focused business, producing up to 30,000 tonnes of cod and haddock a year and 10,000 tonnes of halibut, whilst creating up to 2500 new jobs," he stated.

He also commented on the increasingly important role of the Federation of Scottish Aquaculture Producers (FSAP), of which BMFA is a member. FSAP will bring all areas of Scottish aquaculture together in line with the strategic framework and will take the lead role in several of the Priorities for Action such as pushing forward a new Code of Practice project.

"The Code of Practice for Finfish Aquaculture in Scotland will be a self-regulating tool and will be universally adhered to by everyone in the industry," explained Mr Slaski.

The Scottish aquaculture industry is one to be very proud of and the BMFA believes this strategic framework will move that industry forward in a sustainable manner, with marine finfish production increasing over the next decade to be worth some £100m a year.