News In Focus
30 April 2009
Government hopes Marine Bill will make waves
Scotland's first Marine Bill has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament. It aims to improve conservation measures at the same time as providing a new framework for economic development of the seas around Scotland.
The bill follows calls from environmental groups, the marine industry and coastal communities for more effective and co-ordinated management of Scotland's seas.
Principal measures include:
- A new marine planning framework so that increasing use of the seas for energy, fishing, aquaculture, recreation and other purposes is well managed, and a more stable environment created for investment
- New marine planning partnerships involving local agencies, communities and stakeholders to ensure a strong local voice
- A simpler licensing system to reduce the administrative burden and cut business costs in key growth areas such as renewable energy
- Improved marine nature and historic conservation to safeguard and protect Scotland's unique habitats, wildlife and marine archaeology and wrecks
- Full regulation of seal management, giving much improved protection for seals and a new comprehensive licence system.
Speaking at Edinburgh's Newhaven Harbour today, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"Our seas support tens of thousands of jobs, generate billions of pounds for our economy, put food on our tables and are set to play an increasing role in powering our nation through wind and wave power.
"We are introducing the framework to help deliver a new future for Scotland's seas. Our Marine Bill aims to maximise economic growth while ensuring future generations can still enjoy this world class environment."
Mr Lochhead said Scotland held a quarter of Europe's total tidal and offshore wind resource and 10% of its potential in wave power, and its seas generated more than £2.2 billion for the Scottish economy. "We have huge potential to increase economic growth from our seas but need to do so in a sustainable way. We need to remember that Scotland is also a leading marine tourism destination and any changes should not be at the environment's expense."
"Striking the right balance between the long-term viability and growth of our marine industries and the enhanced protection of our special marine environment is at the very heart of our bill."
Scotland's seas generate more than £2.2 billion of marine industry (excluding oil and gas) and provide 50,000 jobs in Scotland. They support approximately 6,500 species of plants and animals (44,000 if microbial species are included). The value of landings by Scottish fishing vessels is £348 million.