Scotland introduces first marine bill
The law, which will cover nearly 60 per cent of the UK’s inshore waters, is being introduced in order to ensure that future developments don’t damage the marine environment.
‘We are introducing the framework to help deliver a new future for Scotland’s seas,’ said Richard Lochhead, the rural affairs and environment secretary. ‘Our marine bill aims to maximise economic growth while ensuring future generations can still enjoy this world-class environment.
The law will cover industries such as salmon farming, dredging, oil exploration and renewable energy, and, unlike English rules, where exceptions can be made for oil, gas, fishing and dredging, the Scottish rules can only be watered down if there are two or more protected areas with identical habitats.
Proposals within the bill include a network of protected areas where certain activities, such as fishing and laying new oil pipelines, could be banned or strictly controlled, as well as a tougher licensing system for shooting seals. ‘We are repealing the existing seals legislation – which is 40 years old – and introducing a ban on the shooting of seals except within a well-managed licence system,’ Lochhead said.
The Scottish government estimates that its seas generate around £2.2billion of revenue annually and support around 50,00 jobs, while also being home to about 6,500 species of plant and animal.
July 2009
‘We are introducing the framework to help deliver a new future for Scotland’s seas,’ said Richard Lochhead, the rural affairs and environment secretary. ‘Our marine bill aims to maximise economic growth while ensuring future generations can still enjoy this world-class environment.
The law will cover industries such as salmon farming, dredging, oil exploration and renewable energy, and, unlike English rules, where exceptions can be made for oil, gas, fishing and dredging, the Scottish rules can only be watered down if there are two or more protected areas with identical habitats.
Proposals within the bill include a network of protected areas where certain activities, such as fishing and laying new oil pipelines, could be banned or strictly controlled, as well as a tougher licensing system for shooting seals. ‘We are repealing the existing seals legislation – which is 40 years old – and introducing a ban on the shooting of seals except within a well-managed licence system,’ Lochhead said.
The Scottish government estimates that its seas generate around £2.2billion of revenue annually and support around 50,00 jobs, while also being home to about 6,500 species of plant and animal.
July 2009
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