What does 'beyond compliance' look like for the Scottish salmon aquaculture industry?

Citation

McGhee C, Falconer L & Telfer T (2019) What does 'beyond compliance' look like for the Scottish salmon aquaculture industry?. Marine Policy, 109, Art. No.: 103668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2019.103668

Abstract
Salmon farming has developed significantly since its inception in Scotland. It is now an established part of the rural communities in which it operates, is a key contributor to the Scottish and UK economies and has an important role in meeting the growing global demand for food. However, the Scottish salmon industry is subject to a number of regulatory, environmental and social licence challenges, amongst others, that must be overcome if it is to continue to develop and expand to meet ambitious targets for increasing production. Beyond compliance is one way in which the industry can seek to overcome such challenges. Based on qualitative data gathered from analysis of industry reports, stakeholder interviews and questionnaires, this paper i) provides an overview of challenges currently facing Scottish salmon farming, ii) presents beyond compliance measures already taking place, iii) discusses industry opportunities and challenges in terms of beyond compliance, and iv) offers suggestions for the future of beyond compliance, including incentives and ways in which it could be effectively measured.

Keywords
Aquaculture; beyond compliance; environmental regulation; salmon farming; social licence; sustainability

Journal
Marine Policy: Volume 109

People

Dr Lynne Falconer

Research Fellow, Institute of Aquaculture

Professor Trevor Telfer

Professor, Institute of Aquaculture