Marine fish farming, planning policy and the environment

Abstract

Abstract Marine fish farming has generated a considerable range of economic and social benefits in a number of communities throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. At the same time, however, concern has been expressed as to the environmental effects of the industry. Notwithstanding this potential conflict of interest there is not, as yet, a comprehensive land‐use planning and environmental policy framework for marine fish farming in Scotland. This paper reviews some of the individual attempts which have been made to provide such a framework, including the policy initiatives of the Crown Estate Commissioners, the Scottish Development Department and local authorities in northern Scotland.