Aquaculture - Acoustic Deterrent Device (ADD) use: parliamentary report

Chapter 6. Summary and future plans for regulation of the use of acoustic deterrent devices

This report has considered the use of acoustic deterrent devices by the Scottish aquaculture sector at finfish farms in accordance with section 15 of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protection and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020. Specifically it has fully considered the following factors:

• information on the use made of acoustic deterrent devices on Scottish finfish farms,
• any known impacts that the use of acoustic deterrent devices has on marine mammals,
• consideration of whether the use of acoustic deterrent devices on Scottish finfish farms is sufficiently monitored,
• consideration of whether existing provision on protection of animals and wildlife in relation to the use of acoustic deterrent devices on Scottish finfish farms is sufficient, and
• any future plans for regulation of the use of acoustic deterrent devices.

Drawing on the body of the report, three key conclusions have been reached:

1. Known impacts on marine mammals from the use of acoustic deterrents - the Scottish Government will work with industry, Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies and other relevant stakeholders to identify research and/or monitoring programmes required to improve the evidence base, building on the outcomes of the review.

2. Sufficiency of monitoring the use of acoustic deterrent devices at Scottish finfish farms – the Scottish Government will work with the sector and regulators to establish a more systematic process for gathering information on ADDs where they are used at Scottish finfish farms.

3. Sufficiency of existing provision on protection of animals and wildlife in relation to the use of acoustic deterrent devices on Scottish finfish farms – this report has noted that a level of variation exists as to the manner in which local planning regulations are applied in relation to the use of ADDs. It has also noted the comparability requirements of the US MMPA which have yet to be finalised by the US administration. In light of this Scottish Ministers will now consider the requirement for additional measures on the use of ADDs at finfish farms that may be needed in light of local variation and the MMPA legislation once finalised, and which can be applied consistently across all sites. Any requirement for additional measures would be consulted on later in 2021.