Scotland lays groundwork for offshore salmon farming with marine zone expansion.
The Scottish Government has confirmed plans to extend marine planning zones out to 12 nautical miles, a move seen as laying the regulatory foundation for future offshore salmon farming.
The decision follows a public consultation held between September and December 2024, which received 53 responses. Of these, 40 supported the proposals, while 11 were opposed. The Scottish Government will now bring forward a Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI) to amend the Town and Country Planning (Marine Fish Farming) (Scotland) Order 2007.
The extension will ensure that marine fish farming proposals within the 0–12 nautical mile zone continue to be assessed under a consistent planning framework. Local authorities will retain their role in consenting, with the aim of supporting transparency and stakeholder engagement across the full inshore area.
While the policy change does not introduce new licensing pathways for offshore aquaculture, it allows farming businesses to consider developments in more exposed and energetic waters. The Scottish Government’s consultation summary states that such areas “have potential to reduce environmental interactions and to support fish health and welfare” in line with the Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture.
The boundaries proposed during the consultation will remain unchanged. The final Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment and Island Communities Impact Assessment have been updated and will be published online.
The revised order is expected later this year.