Committee
Rural Affairs and Islands Committee 25 February 2026 [Draft]
25 Feb 2026 · S6 · Rural Affairs and Islands Committee
Item of business
Subordinate Legislation
Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Scottish Inshore Region) Amendment Order 2026 [Draft]
The evidence in the consultation raises concerns. The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation said:“The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation’s (SFF) position remains that we do not support the extension of aquaculture from 3 nm to 12nm … we recognise the benefits of making the process more consistent across the entire 0-12nm, but we are uncertain whether SEPA has sufficient resources or expertise to cope with the additional region. The same concern is held for MD-LOT remaining as the regulatory body.”Although the proposal in the consultation might appear to be administratively coherent on paper, I am concerned that it is premature in practical terms. The central issue remains the well-evidenced failure of the current regulatory system to enforce environmental standards effectively, despite already having the legal powers to do so.Simply consolidating responsibilities under SEPA without first addressing the underlying enforcement gap risks creating a more streamlined system that still fails to prevent environmental harm and, in fact, could make harmful activity easier to progress rather than strengthening oversight.I am concerned that expanding the scope of regulation without providing a corresponding increase in resources, capacity and, where necessary, powers is unlikely to achieve the stated objectives. Without tackling enforcement and funding head on, structural reorganisation alone will not deliver the meaningful improvements that we desperately need.This morning, we heard from Dr Alan Wells that wild salmon are a species on the edge and in crisis, and that not enough is being done. Therefore, I have great concerns about expanding SEPA’s remit. As I said, such regulations will be needed at some point—once the 0 to 3 nautical miles range is regulated, we will be in much better shape.
In the same item of business
The Convener
Con
The next item on our agenda is consideration of a Scottish statutory instrument. I welcome to the meeting Mairi Gougeon, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affa...
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands (Mairi Gougeon)
SNP
: Thank you, convener. The SSI that is in front of the committee today amends existing exemptions to marine licence requirements for the purpose of reducing ...
The Convener
Con
Thank you. Do members have any questions?
Ariane Burgess
Green
We have just had an extensive session on salmon farming. One of my concerns about the marine licensing SSI is that it is potentially premature. We are aware ...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
I do not believe that it is happening too soon. Ultimately, we need to provide clarification on how discharge is regulated in the 3 to 12 nautical mile zone,...
Beatrice Wishart
LD
Do you have any sense of how many applications there might be further out to sea?
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
We know from some operators that they are not looking at that space, but, as we set out in the “Vision for sustainable aquaculture” report, we know that it i...
Emma Harper
SNP
To clarify, SEPA already extends the framework to 3 nautical miles, and the SSIs will extend it to 12 nautical miles. You are seeking to ensure simplificatio...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
Yes, you are absolutely right. All that we are looking to do today is mirror what happens in the 0 to 3 nautical mile range by extending the framework to cov...
The Convener
Con
We move to formal consideration of the motion to approve the instrument. As the cabinet secretary has nothing to add, I invite her to move motion S6M-20638.M...
The Convener
Con
Do any members wish to debate the motion?
Ariane Burgess
Green
The evidence in the consultation raises concerns. The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation said:“The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation’s (SFF) position remains that...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
I want to be clear, because a number of issues were raised by the panel in the previous session, and I do not want us to conflate them with what we are discu...
The Convener
Con
Are all members content to recommend approval of the instrument?Members: No.
The Convener
Con
Members are not content. There will be a division.
ForAllan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP)Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con)Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)Harper, Emma (South...
The Convener
Con
The result of the division is: For 7, Against 0, Abstentions 1.Motion agreed to,That the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee recommends that the Marine Licen...
The Convener
Con
Is the committee content to delegate authority to me to sign off on our report on the instrument?Members indicated agreement.
The Convener
Con
That completes consideration of the instrument. I thank the cabinet secretary and her officials for attending but ask them to remain at the table—do not pani...