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Thank you. Will you give an update on the implementation phase of the marine plan? I understand that Shetland is still waiting for the plan to be formally adopted by ministers to enable that to go ahead.

The REC Committee report recommended introducing mechanisms in the planning system to enable the relocation of fish farms to more environmentally and economically suitable locations. We heard from industry representatives that they were disappointed that swift action had not been taken following that recommendation. Ben Hadfield from Mowi Scotland said:

“There is no mechanism for dealing with a situation in which it has been identified that the relocation of a site would bring about a series of environmental or economic gains”.—[Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, 2 October 2024; c 65.]

Why has that recommendation not been implemented?

Thank you, convener. I thought that somebody else was going to ask the next question, but it is okay. Is this the marine planning question?

Yes—that would be helpful.

How will the Scottish Government ensure that planners have sufficient data and understanding of the offshore environment to consider the suitability of locations and the risks of unintended consequences for animal welfare?

What is your response to concerns that environmental management plans that accompany planning decisions are not being monitored or enforced? What other mechanisms does the Scottish Government have in place to allow the sectors to discuss and resolve disputes?

Thank you. That is fine.

Tim Eagle has asked the questions that I was going to ask. However, when we are talking about sustainable fish stocks, we should have those at the front line of our fishing industry at the forefront of our minds, noting the importance of having accurate scientific data for sustainable livelihoods as well as for species protection.

Regarding the proposed technical changes, Tim Eagle has asked about the variation in cod stocks between North Sea cod and west of Scotland cod. Professor Michael Heath raised concerns about the subspecies. Could you add a bit more to what was said in reply to Tim Eagle?

I have a slightly different question, which is about the income that Crown Estate Scotland derives from salmon farms. Can you give us an indication of what that is?

My question is on the siting of salmon farms. The policy outcome in national planning framework 4 states:

“New aquaculture development is in locations that reflect industry needs and considers environmental impacts.”

Is that being delivered? Could I start with you, Mark?

Thank you—that was helpful.