Part 5Miscellaneous
38Information about fish farming and shellfish farming: economic, social and environmental aspects
1
The Scottish Ministers may make an order under this section for the purpose of obtaining information in relation to the economic, social and environmental aspects of—
a
fish farming,
b
shellfish farming.
2
An order under this section may require any person who carries on a business of fish farming or shellfish farming—
a
to provide to the Scottish Ministers such information, in writing, as may be specified in the order in relation to the purpose mentioned in subsection (1),
b
to compile such records as may be so specified in relation to that purpose,
c
to retain for such period (not exceeding 3 years) as may be so specified, any records compiled by virtue of paragraph (b).
3
An inspector may require the production of, and inspect and take copies of, any records which a person is required to retain by virtue of an order made under this section.
4
Information provided, records compiled and records retained under this section may be provided, compiled and retained electronically.
5
A person commits an offence who—
a
fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement of an order under this section,
b
in purported compliance with a requirement of an order under this section knowingly provides any information or compiles a record which is false in a material particular,
c
knowingly alters a record compiled in accordance with a requirement of an order under this section so that the record becomes false in a material particular.
6
A person who commits an offence under subsection (5) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
7
In this section, “fish farming”, “inspector” and “shellfish farming” have the same meanings as in Part 1.