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Overview

SEPA is one of a number of organisations regulating finfish aquaculture. Anyone who operates a fish farm must have an authorisation from SEPA, under The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR). When we receive an application for a new fish farm or to modify the operation of an existing fish farm, as part of our determination we will consider the risks to the water environment (including potential impacts to species and habitats), and the interests of other users of the water environment.

If we decide to grant or vary an authorisation it will include conditions to protect the water environment. The person authorised to carry on the activity must do so in accordance with the conditions of the authorisation.

We may also review the conditions of an existing authorisation from time to time to make sure they are still effective in achieving these aims.

Who regulates what in Scotland

What SEPA regulates

• Discharges of organic matter, medicine residues, other chemicals and the interaction between sea lice from fish farms and wild Atlantic salmon.

• Fish Health Inspectorate - Fish escapes and farmed fish health.
• Animal and Plant Health Agency and the relevant local authority - Fish welfare and disposal of farmed fish mortalities.
• Marine Scotland Licensing - Moorings and navigation.
• Relevant local authority - Visual amenity, noise and sea lice interaction with sea trout.
• Health & Safety Executive and the relevant local authority - Workforce safety.

Why your views matter

This is your opportunity to let us know your views on the application. The consultation will be open for 28 days from date of publication. We will consider any comments received between 14 September 2026 and 7 October 2026 before issuing the final decision.

Your comments will not be published on our public register unless you request us to do so.

What happens next

SEPA will consider any comments received during the consultation period between 14 September 2026 and 7 October 2026 before issuing the final decision. If no comments are received, SEPA will issue the final decision and issued documents will be published here.

If you have any queries, please contact registry@sepa.org.uk