THE Crown Estate has reiterated its commitment to Scotland’s fish farming industry. In a keynote speech to fish farmers at Aquaculture Today, The Crown Estate’s Chairman and Scottish Commissioner Ian Grant also highlighted the huge role that the industry plays in Scotland.

“I would like to say how proud we are to work with an industry whose rapid growth means that it now plays a key role in the Scottish economy, underpinning the fortunes of many fragile coastal communities,” he said.

“The industry is sometimes misunderstood and has suffered in the past from ill informed press coverage. That is why we must all play a part in creating a broader understanding of how the industry works and what it has achieved.

“We are delighted to have played a part in helping the salmon farming industry return to a period of sustained profitability over the past 3 years and we’re committed to continuing with our support of the developing marine species such as cod and halibut in the farmed fish market, and the further development of farmed shell fish production.”

The Crown Estate’s marine estate comprises around 55% of the UK foreshore, approximately half of all estuary beds and tidal rivers and the seabed out to the 12-mile territorial limit. It also includes the rights to minerals on the UK continental shelf out to 200 miles excluding oil, gas and coal. The marine estate is the most diverse within The Crown Estate and is valued at £300 million.

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