A new era for Scotland''s seas came a step closer last week when the Marine Bill passed its first parliamentary stage.
The Scottish Government also announced it was to have new responsibilities for safeguarding the health of all Scottish waters out to 200 nautical miles in implementing new European regulations. This is in addition to an earlier decision to give Scotland responsibility for marine planning out to 200 nautical miles.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"This vote and the announcement that we are to have additional responsibilities extending out to 200 nautical miles represent a huge step towards a sustainable and economically-viable future for our marine environment."
The Bill, which seeks to protect Scotland's unique marine environment for future generations, will now return to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee for more detailed scrutiny. An amendment will be introduced at that stage to add climate change objectives to the new national marine plan to help Scotland meet its world-leading emission targets.
Mr Lochhead added:
"We owe it to future generations to ensure our seas are managed and harvested sustainably. Economic growth is vital but it should be balanced with protection for our stunning marine environment.
"Marine renewables are a powerful weapon in our fight against climate change but progress on this front must be achieved alongside environmental safeguards. This legislation gives Scotland the powers and flexibility to manage our seas and meet these challenges head on."
