Marine Scotland’s new fish and shellfish stocks survey admits that that the state of the N Sea whiting stock, one of the key commercial stocks, is unknown although long-term historical information and the more recent survey-based assessment, all indicate that the present stock size is at a “historical low.” According to the report, total mortality [...]

Marine Scotland Science today announced the formation of a new Science Advisory Board which has been established to assure the independence, impartiality and quality of science delivered by Marine Scotland Science. The Board has been set up following the formation of Marine Scotland in April 2009 which brought together the functions of the Scottish Government [...]

The Scottish Government has published a vision document for Scotland’s seas. Commenting on ‘Making the Most of Scotland’s Seas’, Fisheries and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “It’s a year to the day since Marine Scotland took on direct responsibility for marine science, planning, policy development, management and compliance measures. While there is always room for [...]

From the Scottish Government We are holding a Stakeholder Seminar to discuss the Marine Policy Statement and Marine Planning.  We are keen to hear views from as wide an audience as possible and specifically to give you the opportunity to input into the process.  The Seminar is being held in the Stirling Management Centre, Stirling [...]

Marine Scotland recognises that it is vital to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystems to ensure that the natural environment, and the diversity of industries which depend upon it, is safeguarded for the future. The Marine (Scotland) Act and the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act both contain new powers to designate Marine Protected Areas. These [...]

Sea angling had a couple of mentions in the following deabte: S3M-05962 Jim Mather (Argyll and Bute) (Scottish National Party): Tourism— That the Parliament supports the Scottish tourism industry as it works toward the shared growth ambition set out in the Tourism Framework for Change (TFFC) strategy; commends the commitment shown by the industry in [...]

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (“the UK Act”) created new powers for Scottish Ministers to designate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in offshore waters adjacent to Scotland in order to protect marine biodiversity and geodiversity and contribute to UK and international networks of MPAs. Section 123(6) of the Act includes a duty for Scottish [...]

From a government press release. Yesterday Scotland’s Marine Bill today received Royal Assent, marking a major turning point in safeguarding the future of Scotland seas and laying the foundations for a more simplified marine planning and licensing system. The Marine (Scotland) Act provides a framework which will help balance competing demands on Scotland’s seas. It [...]