Marine environment

The Scottish aquatic environment is among the most diverse in the world supporting over 6,500 complex and 40,000 single cell species of plants and animals in inshore waters alone. This incredible environment includes rivers, lochs, estuaries, coastal waters and offshore waters and is home to many distinctive habitats and iconic species such as basking sharks, over twenty species of marine mammals and internationally important bird populations.

Actions

Find out more about our work in the following areas: 

Background

Although each environment is different, they are biologically linked and Marine Scotland recognises that it is vital to protect marine biodiversity and these ecosystems.

Its role is to ensure that the natural environment, and the diversity of industries which depend upon it, is safeguarded for the future by working to assess the quality of the aquatic environment, trying to understand the effects of both natural and human activities and leading research into the potential environmental effects of marine renewables.

Bills and legislation

Marine planning legislation

Contact

Marine Scotland 

Telephone: 0300 244 4000

Post:
Mailpoint 11
1B South
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ

Marine Laboratory

Telephone: 0131 244 2500

Post:
375 Victoria Road
Aberdeen
AB11 9DB

Freshwater Laboratory

Telephone: 0131 244 2900

Post: 
Faskally
Pitlochry
PH16 5LB  

Freshwater Laboratory

Telephone: 0131 244 4500  

Inchbraoch House
South Quay
Ferryden
Montrose
DD10 9SL

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