Marine Scotland willing to look the other way on Acoustic Deterrents say Greens
The Scottish Greens have accused Marine Scotland of “looking the other way” when it comes to the use of Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs) at fish farms.
Scottish Greens environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell yesterday challenged Natural Environment Minister Ben McPherson to commit to taking legal action against fish farms which continue to use ADDs without a license.
ADDs have been shown to cause serious injury and lasting damage seals as well interfering with the echo location of other marine mammals such as whales and dolphins.
Last week a report published by the Scottish Government on the future of ADDs made no firm conclusions beyond requesting further data gathering and research.
Mark Ruskell MSP said: “The minister's refusal yesterday to commit to taking legal action against fish farms which continue to use ADDs without a licence was deeply concerning and suggests Marine Scotland is willing to turn a blind eye to the practice.
“Ben MacPherson’s insistence that Marine Scotland will work with industry to take forward the recommendations of last week’s report also rings completely hollow given the report doesn’t actually reach any firm conclusions.
“The fact is what little progress has been made in this area has largely been driven by changes to legislation in the USA and the EU, not here in Scotland.
“If Ministers are to be taken seriously when it comes to protecting Scotland’s natural environment then they urgently need to step up and commit to taking the strongest possible action against fish farms which continue to deploy these cruel, destructive and unnecessary devices.”