Minutes: 11 March 2026

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed consideration of its annual report and legacy paper should be taken in private at its next meeting.

2. Follow-up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland:

The Committee took evidence from—

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Jill Barber, Head of Aquaculture Development, Hazel Bartels, Senior Delivery Lead, Farmed Fish Health and Innovation, Marine Directorate and Charles Allan, Senior Delivery Lead, Aquaculture, Fish Health and Biosecurity, Marine Directorate, Scottish Government.

Edward Mountain declared an interest as a partner in a wild salmon fishery on the River Spey and as a director on the board of Fisheries Management Scotland.

3. Petition PE1490: Control of wild goose numbers

The Committee took evidence from—

Donald Fraser, Head of Wildlife Management, NatureScot;

Sam Turner, Team Leader, Wildlife Management Team, Scottish Government.

The Committee agreed to close the petition. The Committee also agreed to reference goose management in its legacy report.

4. Follow-up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.