Discharge consents in Scotland

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is charged with the protection of the Scottish environment, and this is achieved through the regulation of polluting discharges and through consulting, influencing and educating others who interact with it. This paper describes aspects of the agency's regulatory work as it applies to the Scottish fish-farming industry. By far the largest sector of the industry in Scotland involves the rearing of fin-fish in cages, presently still dominated by Atlantic salmon, and the paper is based on experiences gained within this sector. The present circumstances affecting its development are described with reference to the environmental impacts associated with cage-rearing techniques used for production in marine waters. This paper briefly reviews the statutory background behind Scotland's system of discharge consents, including relevant aspects of European legislation. Methods developed to control the environmental risks posed by sea louse treatment chemicals are described. The concept of farming the sea is explored in relation to SEPA's 'allowable zone of effects' approach and the growing public concern about perceived environmental damage. Finally, the future prospects for the industry in Scotland are reviewed in relation to sea louse control.