Membership of the ASSG offers numerous benefits to shellfish growers and those in allied sectors:

• Representation:
-In Edinburgh, with Scottish Executive Ministers and officials (in particular SEERAD), MSPs and their researchers and Parliamentary staff;
-In Aberdeen, with FSA Scotland and FRS Marine Laboratory;
-In London, with DEFRA, FSA, CEFAS and Westminster MPs;
-In Brussels, with the European Commission (DGs SANCO, FISH and Research), ‘Scotland House’ representatives and MEPs;

• Close liaison with relevant organisations such as SFIA (Shellfish and Aquaculture Advisory Committees), SEPA, Scottish Coastal Forum, as well as SNH and WWF Scotland (the ASSG has unique formalised ‘Concordats’ with both of these organisations) and other environmental bodies, HIE/LECs and Local Authorities (in particular The Highland Council), and The Crown Estate;

• European involvement at the highest level, with Chairman Walter Speirs a regular participant at European Mollusc Producers’ Association in Paris.;

• Communication by way of debate between the Management Committee and members at the AGM (Spring), Annual Conference (Autumn) and on an individual basis at other times, plus mailshots on specific issues, plus a quarterly informative Newsletter (‘The Grower’), edited by Janet Brown;

• Dissemination of information to leading journalists and decision makers;

• Highly successful annual International Conference, augmented in recent years by Workshops on topical issues (‘Biotoxin Management’, ‘Sustainability’, ‘Innovation’);

• Assistance with applications for Crown Estate Leases and Several Fishery Orders;

• Negotiation with Crown Estate on behalf of the sector over seabed lease rentals;

• Promotional activities, including participation at Exhibitions and Food events;•Involvement in Training issues through participation in LANTRA Sector Skills Council, the UK body for developing vocational training,

• Support in R & D projects through links to EU (CRAFT) and UK research funds, as well as participating in CARD and the recently created ‘Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum’;
Acting Chairman Walter Speirs currently oversees the Association, with assistance from members of the Management Committee (Stephen Cameron (treasurer), David Attwood, Janet Brown, Donny Gillies, Ian MacKinnon, Andrew Rodger, Roger Thwaites, and Nick Turnbull).

We hope you will consider taking out membership for 2011, the cost of which is just £200.00 per full membership. Individual Student and Academic memberships are available at a cost of £100.00