A dedicated Scottish Marine Bill is one step closer after the Scottish Government announced the make-up of a panel of experts charged with examining the current legislative basis for dealing with Scotland’s marine environment. 

The Sustainable Seas Taskforce - which includes representatives from industry, conservation groups and academics – will meet later this month to consider a work programme, and is due to report in April. The Scottish Government says it will undertake a full consultation on a possible Marine Bill thereafter.

The issue of a UK-wide Marine Bill has sparked debate, with many observers arguing that Scotland has unique needs that can only be dealt with by separate legislation at Holyrood.

Cabinet Secretary for the Environment and Rural Development Richard Lochhead said:

“In Scotland we have over 11,000 km of coastline and our waters generate millions of pounds for the economy.  Wildlife enthusiasts from around the world flock to see the internationally significant species of birds, seals and dolphins that live in and around our waters. To protect this valuable natural resource, we must promote the sustainable use of our coasts and seas.  There is a greater and growing awareness of the importance of sound management of our marine environment.

“There are currently far too many pieces of legislation regulating Scotland's waters and our new streamlined legislation will deliver better protection for the future. The aim, among other things, is to introduce a new system of planning for the sea, better nature conservation and improvements to licensing and regulation of the marine environment. I will also look to the Task Force to consider what additional powers need to be devolved to Scotland.  I believe in the offshore zone - between 12 and 200 nautical miles from the shore - further devolution, especially for functions such as marine planning and nature conservation is a much needed priority.”