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Environmental Sustainability
Shellfish Farming and Environmental Sustainability
All aquaculture industries share in common the goal of environmental
sustainability. However, for shellfish farmers this is absolutely
critical as their livelihoods depend upon clean water and maintaining
or improving the delicate balance of the marine environment.
Shellfish
cultivation is an environmentally sensitive activity which can also
economically benefit local communities. As a result, shellfish farming
is a sector where expansion is being entirely encouraged in Scotland.
Much of the regulatory system influencing the activities of Scottish
shellfish growers is driven by European Directives. These are
transposed into UK and Scottish legislation and are designed to
regulate growing methods and practices and to protect the environment,
the health of wild and cultivated shellfish stocks and the health of
consumers. This legislative framework continues to evolve to meet
concurrently evolving industry demands and the changing standards of
environmental and consumer protection.
Craig Bay, Loch Etive.
ASSG Code of Good Practice
Well managed shellfish farming is an activity that can benefit the
environmental health of our coastal waters. The ASSG is currently
in
the process of developing a shellfish industry Code of Good Practice in
order to ensure that farming activities are managed in an
environmentally responsible and sustainable manner that is in harmony
with the needs of other marine and shoreline users.
Funding provided by:
ASSG Concordats
The
ASSG is very proactive in addressing environmental sustainability
issues. On April 19, 2002, the ASSG signed a concordat with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), and
on October 18, 2002 the ASSG signed a concordat with WWF Scotland.
The aim of each concordat was to outline areas of common interest,
establish a general commitment to work together on issues of joint
concern, and provide a non-binding framework for cooperation and
communication with the ASSG. The ASSG continues to work closely with
both SNH and WWF-S on issues of mutual concern.
Signing
the ASSG-WWF Scotland concordat
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