A wee press release from the Scottish Government.
Scotland will be well represented this week at one of the world’s most important aquaculture events.
Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse is visiting South America to attend AquaSur – the biggest aquaculture fair in the southern hemisphere. Exhibitors from five continents and over 40 countries will be in Chile to show their products and acquire and exchange knowledge.
At the event he will meet with industry experts and key players in the aquaculture industry to discuss best practices and insights in meeting the growing demand for salmon from around the world.
While in Chile he has meetings with a number of Scottish companies who are looking to expand their businesses in the southern hemisphere. He also has number of bilateral government meetings including with Minsters from Norway and Chile. These will be to discuss a range of issues including energy, climate change and fisheries.
At the end of his visit he will also be attending the Homeless World Cup where he will meet and watch the Scottish team in action this weekend.
Mr Wheelhouse said:
“I am delighted to be visiting Chile to help promote Scotland’s aquaculture sector and the excellent seafood we produce. This is an important industry especially in many of our rural communities. New estimates indicate Scotland’s Aquaculture sector is already worth £1.75 billion to the Scottish economy across the value chain.
“We have a global reputation as a land synonymous with quality, healthy and highly sought after seafood which is farmed to high standards of best practice, welfare and food hygiene in our pristine waters.
“I am fully supportive of the sustainable growth of salmon farming with due regard to the wider marine environment. I am pleased with the continued sustainable growth this year as production of Scottish farmed salmon is at its highest level in a decade.
“Events like AqauSur, and Aqua Nor in Norway, are a great opportunity for Scottish companies to showcase their products and services while looking to expand into new markets. They provide the occasion to discuss best practice on how to achieve international goals in the areas of food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability.
