A new task force has been set up to consider proposals for legislation to protect Scotland's marine and coastal environment. 

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, said the aim of the new marine legislation is to ensure the sustainable management of Scotland's seas and coasts. It will also balance the competing interests for use and protection of the seas.

Mr Lochhead said:

"Scotland has a unique coastal and marine environment. It provides an important natural resource upon which so many communities depend.

"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.

"...I would like to thank the organisations which have agreed to be part of the Sustainable Seas Task Force."

Calum Duncan, Convenor of the Scottish Environment LINK marine Task Force said:

"We welcome the announcement of the establishment of this new group and the opportunity to input to it. Time is of the essence and we hope that recommendations coming from the Task Force can be swiftly taken forward through a Scottish Marine Bill.

"The outcome must be a system that protects, restores and enhances Scotland's world-class ecosystem, which is currently under increasing pressure from climate change and other human activity. Proper protection for Scotland's marine environment must form the core of the proposed legislation."

The Task Force, meeting for the first time in January, will consider the work undertaken on marine legislation up to now and a work programme.

The detailed work of the group will be undertaken at 5 workshops over the following months with a final group meeting in April. The Scottish Government will undertake a full consultation on a Marine Bill shortly thereafter.
The workshops will consider licensing and enforcement, conservation issues, marine management arrangements, planning and integrated coastal zone management, and data and science.

The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead will chair the Task Force. The Task Force's remit is to consider the actions the Scottish Government needs to deliver to ensure the sustainable management of Scotland's coast and seas with a view to developing a set of proposals for Scottish marine legislation.