Seòmar agus comataidhean

Related to the last question, and specifically on regulation, does regulation need to get ahead of those scenarios? I know that it is not your responsibility, but do you think that there is a need for regulation to anticipate new technologies? If not, is the existing regulation adequate?

It is a question for the RSPCA. How were you—and possibly other agencies that you know of—involved in revising welfare standards for farmed Atlantic salmon? How were those standards developed? Did you find your involvement in them adequate?

I should know this, but I will ask this question for the benefit of people watching, because I am sure that you are asked this regularly. The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals operates in Scotland and the RSPCA is often advertised as operating in England and Wales. Can you explain how that point becomes relevant when we are talking about salmon?

Thank you, convener. Can you hear me?

In 2019, SEPA put in place revised arrangements for monitoring, particularly for finfish aquaculture. I realise that the witnesses have expressed their concerns, but are the revised arrangements that have been in place since 2019 any better from an environmental point of view?

This subject has been touched on already. We have mentioned the interaction between farmed salmon and wild salmon. Can you say a little about the data on that? More specifically, in your view, are regulations keeping up with issues around that interaction?

Thank you, convener. Can you hear me?

You have mentioned what you see as shortcomings in this situation, and you have talked about resources for SEPA. Are you advocating a change in its powers or simply a change in the way that it operates?

I do not see any reason not to accede to the request for a change to the name, which might be simpler than the other options.

Both Jackie Dunbar and I recognise the need for a financial penalty in this case. In an effort to reach consensus within the committee, we support the figure agreed, although we take the view that it is certainly at the high end of the range of available sanctions.

Likewise, on the issue of suspension from the chamber, we recognise the need for a penalty of that kind but we voted against the figure of 27 days, given that it was, in our view, extremely high compared with any sanctions in previous cases.