Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has been appointed to the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee [RACCE].
In reference to a recent UN report, ‘Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability’, Mr Thomson said: ‘It is clear from the report, that the effects of climate change on the planet are already occurring in all continents, across the oceans and for the most part, we are unprepared for the risks of such change.
‘As a responsible nation we must take this report seriously because there are implications on food supply, the impact of extreme weather events that could lead to death for those vulnerable in our global society and the severe, possibly irreversible impacts on other species due to ever increasing temperatures.
‘Adaptation will play a key role in decreasing these risks and it is why I am pleased I will be part of a committee of individuals who recognise the need to take the necessary action to address the very serious threat to our planet that is inherent in climate change.’
Commenting on his new appointment and focusing on local issues, the MSP says: ‘The Committee’s work not only focuses on climate change but on agriculture, fisheries, rural development, wildlife crime, deer management and land reform – all of which are areas of concern that currently impact on the Highlands.
‘The Committee’s tasks have particular resonance in my constituency. For example, agreed in its work programme will be to take evidence on the implementation of the newly reformed CAP in Scotland, and as such, I am pleased that I have an opportunity to assist in overseeing this important process.’
With one of the recurrent confrontations within RACCE’s remit being the all but irreconcilable difference between two important sectors – the salmon farmers and the salmon anglers, it is to be hoped that Mr Thompson brings an independent and not a party line to this situation.
Salmon farming – with the diseases, the benthic pollution from detritus and the ever worsening damage to young migrating salmon from the endemic infestations of sea lice in salmon cages – has been shown to be a constant and serious threat to salmon stocks in Scotland’s rivers.
RACCE frequently avoids its responsibility to act in support of environmental protection regulations in preference to supporting the Scottish Government’s wish to see the aquaculture industry grow even more, which means ‘regulation with a light touch’.
Mr Thompson is not alone in having constituency interests involving both camps in this dispute. RACCE’s record in objective address to the issue is not a strong one. Mr Thompson’s is a fresh voice. How will he bat?
Both industries contribute substantially to Scotland’s economy but the salmon farmers are almost exclusively foreign owned with the profits going out of the country.