Marine Legislation FAQs
In June 2007, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, announced the Scottish Government's commitment to bringing forward dedicated legislation for Scotland's marine environment. The Government has also committed to consulting on proposals for marine legislation in order to deliver on its objective to build a Greener Scotland.
Marine legislation would be aimed at protecting Scotland's unique coastal and marine environment and safeguarding this important natural resource for generations to come. We are currently considering the findings of two recent reports which made recommendations in this area, and the Cabinet Secretary intends to make a further announcement on plans for a Marine Bill after completing this consideration.
What are you doing to protect the Marine Environment?
We are working to protect the marine environment, and seabirds in particular, in several ways. The Scottish Government takes its environmental responsibilities for seabirds and other marine wildlife seriously by following the guidelines laid down in the European Commission's Wild Birds and Habitats Directives. Scotland currently has 49 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) classified which have one or more species of seabird as qualifying interests, and 31 marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Work is currently underway to ensure wild birds are protected during their life stages. Scottish Natural Heritage is also currently identifying if there are any gaps in the conservation network in the territorial waters around Scotland.
More information on marine protected areas, and the legislation underpinning them, is available from the Protected Areas websection.