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Further support for the fleet and wider seafood sector is something I am presently considering, but I need the funding to do so. That is why I was so disappointed with the £8 million, one year, UK Government settlement for grant funding over 2020-2021. This falls way short of the £62 million multi-year settlement we made a clear case for, based on the EMFF replacement fund of over 4 billion. Whether its further hardship funding or supporting recovery within the Seafood sector, this funding is needed more so than ever before, and rest assured we will continue to press the UK Government hard for a fair share of funding.

a) It is a legal requirement for keepers of 50 or more birds (not necessarily of the same species) to their birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. This information is regularly communicated to bird keepers and continues to be a key part of our avian influenza communications. Keepers with fewer than 50 birds are encouraged to register voluntarily.

b)The Scottish Government works closely with Defra, Welsh Government and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to promote and encourage poultry keepers to comply with the measures in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) and requirements of the GB Poultry Register. Local Authorities have the responsibility of enforcing the legislative requirements of the AIPZ and the GB Poultry Register.

The new steering group will primarily focus on the priority workstreams outlined in the Scottish Government’s response to S5W-32898.

Progress has been made in relation to previous commitments on cleaner fish, including the introduction last week of mandatory controls over the harvesting of wild wrasse for managing sea lice in the salmon farming industry. In addition, in May 2018 the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation organised an international workshop on best practice in the production and use of cleaner-fish, and The Code of Good Practice for Finfish Aquaculture has been updated to outline best practice for husbandry.

We will continue to develop work streams as considered necessary by the Farmed Fish Health Framework Steering Group going forward.

After an initial delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic the 12 month project is due to start by the end of March 2021 with early results being available in autumn 2021.

The Scottish Government takes the issue of mortality very seriously. As a member of the Farmed Fish Health Framework (FHFF), the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation has committed to undertaking analysis of mortality and considering a standardised approach to recording.

Since March 2020, Marine Scotland Compliance has received a number of reports, involving 6 vessels, in relation to suspected illegal scallop dredging in MPAs or other closed areas.

Marine Scotland Compliance fully investigates all reports of suspected illegal fishing, including suspected illegal scallop dredging, to the extent that the evidence allows and appropriate action is taken where necessary.

Of the vessels involved, two have Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) equipment fitted and the others do not.

As a result of the impact of Covid-19, emergency hardship support of up to £21,370 per vessel paid to the owner, or up to £42,740 to businesses operating more than one vessel was made available to over 12 metre vessels landing shellfish. A list of successful business awarded funding is available here:

Badgers, and their setts, are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which prohibits killing or injuring a badger as well as disturbance or destruction of their habitats.

Earlier this year the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protection and Powers) Act was passed by the Parliament, which affords badgers additional protection by increasing the penalties for the most serious crimes to a maximum of 5 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

NatureScot provides advice to planners, developers, farmers and landowners on issues involving badgers, to help ensure that Scotland’s badger populations continue to thrive whilst mitigating any negative effects.

No decisions have been taken in relation to the formation of any advisory or steering groups in relation to the development of a licensing scheme for grouse moor businesses.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-33598 on 7 December 2020. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at

The Scottish Government will develop licensing proposals for grouse moor businesses as set out in the answer to S5W-33598, answered on 7 December 2020. The Scottish Government expects to carry out a public consultation on legislative proposals to implement the licensing scheme. The timing of the consultation will depend on the legislative programme for the next Parliament.