The government’s publication also highlights a vision for the blue economy, which Scottish salmon is pivotal to, and the export strength of food and drink.
In a letter to Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, Humza Yousaf tasked her with improving the “policy and regulatory framework for sustainable aquaculture in Scotland”.
The recommendations of the independent review into aquaculture by Professor Russel Griggs, which set out a detailed routemap to better regulation, have yet to be fully implemented.
Salmon Scotland, the trade body which represents the UK’s largest food export, welcomed many aspects of the Programme for Government, including a promised ‘rural delivery plan’, but expressed concern about a reference to “next steps” in relation to Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs).
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said:
“The Scottish Government has rightly recognised the huge economic and rural contribution of the aquaculture sector.
“We look forward to working with ministers to support the growth of a sustainable blue economy to help feed the world, delivering higher export sales, and creating jobs in rural Scotland.
“It’s clear, however, that faster progress is needed to address the cumbersome regulatory landscape in Scotland, which is holding back growth – 18 months on from the Griggs independent review, action is urgently needed.
“And if the Scottish Government resurrects HPMAs, the negative reaction will be resolute, determined, and considerable.
“We want to work in tandem with government to unlock the economic potential of Scotland and its rural communities, and salmon farming is key to delivering this.”