Wednesday 15 June 2005

In response to the statement by Ross Finnie MSP, the Executive's Environment Minister, Calum Duncan, of the Marine Conservation Society and Convener of the LINK Marine Task Force, said:

"Scotland's seas are crying out for action to safeguard their future. We would like to see the Minister set out more clearly the measures he will take to meet this goal, or when they will be introduced. This cautious approach contrasts markedly to the position taken by the UK Government, which is committed to a Marine Act that will introduce marine spatial planning. We welcome moves to establish Scotland's first Marine National Park and will watch progress keenly."

The statement was made one year after the close of the Executive's consultation on "Developing a Strategic Framework for Scotland's Marine Environment". In its response to this consultation, the Marine Task Force, and its members, argued for a Marine (Scotland) Bill to deliver a comprehensive network of marine protected areas and a system of Marine Spatial Planning to prevent conflict between sectors in our increasingly congested seas.

Lloyd Austin, of RSPB Scotland, and Chair of Scottish Environment LINK, added:

"The Minister's commitment to produce a Marine and Coastal Strategy for Scotland is only the first small step in delivering his agreed 2010 targets for marine biodiversity and protected areas. Our members look forward to playing their role in production of the strategy.'

"However, instead of delaying further the Minister should agree to a Marine (Scotland) Act being developed in parallel with Westminster's – and ask the stakeholder group to advise on detail, rather than further delay any decision on the principle."

"We welcome the Minister using his powers to begin the process for establishing a Marine National Park. However, this should form only part of what is ultimately needed - a comprehensive network of marine protected areas. We would therefore urge the Minister to designate trial marine protected areas that could be closely monitored to prove their worth. It is a disappointment that, after a year of further consideration, little real action is being taken."

Scotland's marine and estuarine environment is our most valuable resource, contributing £14 billion to Scotland's £64 billion GDP, and providing the foundation for important economic and social activities, both industrial (renewable energy, oil extraction, shipping, aquaculture, fisheries) and recreational (diving, sailing, tourism, angling). However, pollution, over-fishing, unchecked coastal development and poor governance threaten the health of the sea, precious marine life and the livelihoods of those dependent upon it.

Calum Duncan, added:

"Scotland has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be world-leader in renewable marine energy, sustainable aquaculture, quality seafood, marine eco-tourism, marine conservation, and to deliver genuinely sustainable fisheries in our inshore waters.

"The proposed Marine Committee must not be a talking shop. This is an opportunity that cannot be wasted. We urge the Minister to ensure its terms of reference are set so as to deliver a network of marine protected areas and a system of Marine Spatial Planning through the development of a Marine (Scotland) Act."