Despite ongoing environmental protests, the Scottish Government has decided against imposing a ban on any new fish farm developments, in spite of the call made by Highlands and Islands Green Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) John Finnie after Denmark established a similar ban, reports the Press and Journal.

The new Danish legislation was introduced in August by Danish Environment Minister Lea Wermelin and prevents the construction or expansion of any existing aquaculture cages.

Wermelin views aquaculture as disruptive for the environment and said that Denmark has already reached its limit for the amount of fish that can be farmed at sea without compromising the environment.

Scottish Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham has different views, citing that there was "insufficient evidence to support a moratorium on the industry's expansion," but that the government would continue to improve regulations which apply to salmon farming.