{"id":1338,"date":"2013-12-30T09:00:23","date_gmt":"2013-12-30T09:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.scotland.gov.uk\/coastal-monitoring\/?p=1338"},"modified":"2019-04-04T09:15:55","modified_gmt":"2019-04-04T08:15:55","slug":"protecting-shellfish-production","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/marine-scotland\/2013\/12\/30\/protecting-shellfish-production\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting shellfish production"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Scotland first country in UK to ensure continued protection of shellfish waters.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

New legislation comes into force today to ensure the continued protection of Scottish shellfish growing waters.<\/p>\n

The measures \u2013 the first of their kind in the UK \u2013 have been introduced to replace the European Shellfish Waters Directive which has been repealed today.<\/p>\n

To continue support for the expansion of Scotland\u2019s shellfish sector towards the industry\u2019s 2020 targets and beyond, and ensure a good quality product which is safe for human consumption, 84 shellfish water protected areas (SWPAs) have been identified.<\/p>\n

Steps will be taken to prevent the deterioration of water quality in these areas, and where necessary to improve water quality to a high standard.<\/p>\n

Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse said:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe aquaculture and freshwater fisheries sectors are significant contributors to Scotland\u2019s economy as a whole as well as critical to the economies of many coastal and rural communities.<\/p>\n

“We want to ensure both sectors have a successful and sustainable future and ensuring Scotland\u2019s precious marine environment is protected is a key part of that.<\/p>\n

\u201cShellfish production is important for our rural and coastal communities and we recognise the need for clean water in these areas to ensure a high quality product which is safe for human consumption.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s important that we maintain the current high standards of water quality, but also protect against and reduce pollution in shellfish waters. These new measures not only do that, but also significantly expand the area of water protected to enhance support for shellfish life and increase the number of high class edible shellfish products.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am delighted that these are the next steps in our distinctive Scottish approach towards the achievement of a sustainable water environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

More Information<\/strong><\/p>\n