Anti-fishfarm campaigners have questioned the impartiality of having Highland Council represented on a body promoting the industry.
The local authority, which deliberates on fishfarm planning applications, is part of a new initiative called the “Vision 2030 Group”, whose purpose is to help the Scottish Government double the sector’s income by 2030.
The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, which represents most west coast fishfarmers, declined to comment on the concern yesterday.
Campaigners who consider the industry “cruel and damaging to the natural environment” claim the council’s membership raises a potential conflict of interests.
Paul Johnston, of newly formed charity Our Children’s Future, said: “Highland Council getting into bed with the industry is way too cosy.
“There seems to be little hindrance to enabling a huge increase in salmon farm production on the west coast, to fulfil the Scottish Government’s wishes.”
He added: “The sea lice problem still remains after 30 years of failed efforts to deal with it.”
Highland planning chairwoman Audrey Sinclair said: “We recognise the role of the aquaculture industry in the Highlands in helping to sustain fragile rural communities and support the sustainable development of fin fish and shellfish farming subject to there being no significant adverse effect.
“We recently reviewed aquaculture planning guidance and this was approved by the committee.”
The council has objected to various fishfarm plans in recent years. Last week it was overruled by the Scottish Government which approved a hotly contested proposal for Loch Pooltiel off north-west Skye.
Objectors said the decision gave “a green light to fishfarmers everywhere”.
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “We want to see a vibrant, diverse industry supporting local jobs and communities which also takes its environmental responsibilities seriously.
“Any planning application for fish farms is a matter for local authorities.”