1.  AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES BILL FRESHWATER FISHERIES FORUM Consultation On Proposals Dundee, 30th January 2006

2.  Welcome…..  This is an opportunity for us to hear and record your views on the proposals.  Complements the written consultation, currently underway (until February 24 th ).  Both strands will inform the final form of the draft Bill, to be introduced to Parliament in June.

3.  The story so far…  Both the freshwater fisheries and the aquaculture elements of the consultation paper were informed by dialogue with key stakeholders through:  Forums and working groups e.g. Highlands & Islands Aquaculture Forum, Freshwater Fisheries Forum.

4.  The story to come…  This is one phase of public engagement  Further opportunities to influence the content of the Bill during the Parliamentary stages:  Lobby your MSP;  Write to the Committee;  Give evidence to the Committee.

5.  What are we proposing? AQUACULTURE:  Regulator;  Parasite Control;  Containment;  Mandatory Data Collection;  Farm Relocation – assistance;  Discretionary Compensation for Disease;  Fish Movements – fish farms.

6.  What are we proposing? FRESHWATER FISHERIES:  Gyrodactylus salaris;  Amendments to rules on access;  Fish Movements – wild fish;  Miscellaneous Amendments.

7.  What are we proposing? FRESHWATER FISHERIES: Miscellaneous Amendments  Rod rests;  Use of live vertebrates as bait;  Use of gaffs, tailers, pike gags, and knotted landing nets;  Foul-hooking;  Close times;  Prohibit eradication of fish or adversely affecting their environment;  Prohibit obstruction of fish;  Extension of the definition of freshwater fish.

8.  Today’s session Communication  One person speaks at a time  Everyone has the right to be heard and express their views  Be concise and to the point – give others a chance Recording  Recording will be accurate  Everything will be written on flip chart  Comments will be non attributable, unless requested Practicalities  No mobile phones, PCs or Blackberries to be switched on