LONG-AWAITED new European Commission rules on fish welfare could be in place by the end of the year, the UK premier aquaculture conference has been told.

William Crowe, from the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, warned the assembled 150 plus delegates that they had to take the need to improve fish welfare seriously or else face stringent regulations forced on them by special interest groups.

In his presentation, he said: “The industry must take over the fish welfare agenda from campaigners and legislators.”

He said the industry had to get the message out to consumers over their efforts to improve the welfare of their products.

The new rules are likely to involve requirements affecting the general welfare of fish throughout its lifespan and the harvesting process.

He commented on the long drawn out process – the regulations are in their 16th draft. He said that the EC is likely to rule that fish should be fasted before transportation.

Mr Crowe was speaking on the first day of the two day conference. The conference, being held in Edinburgh’s Marriott Hotel, is organised by Fish Farmer magazine.

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