Scotland''s first Marine Bill has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament.
Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said the bill is set to deliver more opportunities to boost the economy while improving conservation measures.
Key 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
• The new planning system will create a more stable environment for investment
• New Marine Planning Partnerships will involve local agencies, communities and stakeholders to ensure a strong local voice
• A simpler licensing system will reduce the administrative burden and cut bureaucracy reducing 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
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.
Scotland has 18,862km of coastline, 59 per cent of the UK total, and 470,000 km² of seas, 60 per cent of the UK total. Wildlife tourism is an important sector for Scotland, it generated around £210 million pounds for the Scottish economy in 2006. Leisure boating in Scotland tourism spend is £248 million.
'Sustainable Seas For All' - A Consultation on Scotland's First Marine Bill was launched on July 14 2008. The consultation period for Scotland's first marine bill closed on October 6 2008.
