What progress is being made in addressing the environmental impact of sea cage fish farming on rivers, lochs and seas.

Appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the environment, but we are continually refining these in the light of experience and scientific advice, to ensure that processes that have a disproportionate impact on the environment do not proceed.Research is going on to examine Scottish waters to assess contribution of various activities, including fish farming, to eutrophication. A review of possible links between aquaculture, eutrophication and shellfish poisoning events is also under way. We are scoping the further necessary research required to establish the carrying capacity of coastal waters. The Area Management Agreement process is helping to increase trust between fish farmers and wild fishery interests, to work together and resolve local problems, especially sea lice. Escapes must be prevented, and site specific containment and contingency plans are now required in support of all fish farm applications. Legislation to require reporting of escapes was laid before Parliament on 19 April 2002.