UK Marine Bill
The UK Marine & Coastal Access Bill has gained Crown Assent, thus becoming an Act of Parliament and entering UK law. The Bill provides executive devolution to Scottish Ministers of the new marine planning and conservation powers in the offshore region (12-200 nautical miles), coinciding with the existing executive devolution of marine licensing. The Scottish Bill will legislate for marine planning, licensing and conservation activities in the inshore region. This is demonstrated in the map below.
What the UK Bill provides for Scottish Ministers within the Scottish offshore region (12-200nm):
- Marine Policy Statement (MPS) - will result in integrated management of UK marine area. Scottish Ministers will participate in the formulation of the MPS.
- Marine Planning - if the MPS is adopted by Scottish Ministers, marine planning in the offshore and inshore area will be guided by the MPS.
- Marine Licensing - combines FEPA and CPA consent, making Scottish Ministers responsible for issuing new marine licenses in the Scottish offshore region.
- Marine Conservation - Scottish Ministers will have a duty to designate Marine Protected Areas, based upon scientific and socio-economic considerations.
- Common Enforcement Powers - Scottish Ministers new enforcement powers extend to marine conservation and licensing.
In addition to the UK Bill, international responsibilities for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in the Scottish inshore and offshore region, will fall to Scottish Ministers who are the competent authority.