The British Marine Finfish Association has underlined its commitment to ensure that the farming of species such as cod and haddock is carried out in a sustainable way.

The Association, which is the representative body for operators moving into this emerging aquaculture sector, intends in the coming year to direct as much of its resources as possible towards research and development projects.

Speaking at the Association's recent AGM and Workshop in Inverary, Chairman Alastair Barge said the farming of marine species offered an unparalleled opportunity to satisfy the increasing market demand for fish and help sustain the economies of fragile coastal communities.

'We would endorse the vision of the entire aquaculture industry - working towards economic and environmentally sustainable growth which meets market demands and which provides secure employment and economic activity in our coastal areas,' he said.

Mr Barge, who is also managing director of Otter Ferry Seafish, added: 'Further research is required in order to ascertain the 'carrying capacities' of different regions within the country, and the Association recognises the need for good regulation to support development during this transitionary phase.'

Projects in the pipeline for 2002 include two new studies with the Universities of St Andrews and Stirling looking at photoperiod control of maturation in cod and halibut. Ongoing studies include LINK projects on recirculation technology and on the transfer of larval halibut from endogenous to exogenous nutrition, as well as work at Seafish Ardtoe on the bottle-necks in cod hatcheries and a halibut broodstock nutrition study being directed by the Institute of Aquaculture and funded by the Crown Estate.

Meanwhile, the BMFA continues to expand, with six new members joining in the last year bringing the total to 24, including three from abroad. Association members are engaged in the development of aquaculture for Atlantic halibut, cod, haddock and turbot, which in commercial terms are still in their early stages of development.

Mr Barge said: 'The success of the Association can be attributed to an enthusiastic membership, dedicated staff and the much appreciated support of Highlands & Islands Enterprise and the Highland Regional Council.'

Looking to the future, Mr Barge added: 'The BMFA believes the current targets for production of marine finfish species in Scotland are both realistic and modest in terms of the resources of our coastline.

'Considering the sustainable and high quality jobs which would be created in coastal regions, and the added value of products into the supply chain in Scotland, the BMFA considers this to be a very worthwhile and low-impact addition to high quality Scottish food production.'