What does 'beyond compliance' look like for the Scottish salmon aquaculture industry?

Salmon farming has developed significantly since its inception in Scotland. It is now an established part of the rural communities in which it operates, is a key contributor to the Scottish and UK economies and has an important role in meeting the growing global demand for food. However, the Scottish salmon industry is subject to a number of regulatory, environmental and social licence challenges, amongst others, that must be overcome if it is to continue to develop and expand to meet ambitious targets for increasing production. Beyond compliance is one way in which the industry can seek to overcome such challenges. Based on qualitative data gathered from analysis of industry reports, stakeholder interviews and questionnaires, this paper i) provides an overview of challenges currently facing Scottish salmon farming, ii) presents beyond compliance measures already taking place, iii) discusses industry opportunities and challenges in terms of beyond compliance, and iv) offers suggestions for the future of beyond compliance, including incentives and ways in which it could be effectively measured. • Beyond compliance is anything a company does additional to statutory regulatory requirements. • A multi-strategy study to explore beyond compliance for Scottish salmon aquaculture. • Beyond compliance at the farm level focuses on environmental quality standards. • Broader issues such as over-use of resources are also addressed but not currently regulated. • Lessons from other industries include ways to collaborate and measure beyond compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]