Minutes: 05 June 2024

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed that consideration of evidence heard as part of its follow-up inquiry into salmon farming should be taken in private at item 3 and at future meetings.

2. Follow-up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland:

The Committee took evidence from—

Sean Black, Senior Scientific Officer for Aquaculture, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals;

John Aitchison, Aquaculture Group, Coastal Communities Network;

Sarah Evans, Aquaculture Policy Officer, Marine Conservation Society;

Rachel Mulrenan, Scotland Director, WildFish;

and then from—

Dr Annette Boerlage, Research Fellow in Aquatic Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Scotland’s Rural College;

Professor Simon MacKenzie, Head of the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling;

Professor Sam Martin, Director of Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen;

Dr Helena Reinardy, Lecturer and Teaching Fellow, Scottish Association for Marine Science;

Professor Lynne Sneddon, Chair in Zoophysiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg.

Edward Mountain declared an interest as a partner in a wild salmon fishery.

3. Follow-up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland (In private):

The Committee reviewed the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.