Since commercial rents were first introduced The Crown Estate has reinvested over £2 million of fish farming revenue into research and education-related projects. The reinvestment strategy has aimed to improve the viability of fish farming with a view to securing a long term, sustainable future. We have provided around £100,000 a year towards a number of initiatives since 1988, principally directed towards new research and the identification of practical solutions to identified issues.
Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum
The aquaculture strategy document published in April 2003 by the Scottish Government recommended the establishment of a new body to review marine aquaculture research priorities and to co-ordinate funding commitment from amongst its membership. This body is the Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum (SARF). We are a major contributor of funds to SARF.
Scottish ministers announced the revision of the aquaculture strategy in 2007, and SARF is anticipated to remain a strong focus of the new strategy.
 Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum
Other aquaculture research
We also support a number of other aquaculture research projects through the marine research fund: aquaculture research.
Development measures
In addition to the support provided through the aquaculture research fund, we have worked closely with the salmon industry on a range of development measures aimed at restoring confidence within the industry itself and amongst both consumers and the financial community. A fund of up to £600,000 was made available over the period April 2004 – March 2006. Projects either completed or underway include:
1. Marketing initiative in partnership with Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation – a short campaign launched in summer 2004 which emphasised the health benefits derived from eating farmed salmon. This has since been acclaimed as a great success with an encouraging increase in market sales.
2. Industry award scheme – sponsored by The Crown Estate and highlighting areas of good practice within the salmon farming industry with particular emphasis on environmental performance and business entrepreneurship. This scheme will be expanded to incorporate all marine aquaculture activities.
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