Marine and coastal policy

Saving seabirds in Scotland

A Marine Act for Scotland

Cliffs and seabird colony at RSPB Fowlsheugh nature reserve

It might seem incredible but the seas around the UK currently have no legal protection. Unlike on land, there are very few protected areas in the marine environment.

This means that some of our most precious wildlife, including dolphins, basking sharks, corals, seahorses and turtles, and spectacular seabirds such as gannets, shearwaters and puffins, is at risk from over-exploitation and the damaging effects of development.

Telltale signs of ecological stress are showing in our marine environment. Escapes and pollution from fish farms, destruction of deepwater corals, radioactive hotspots, littered beaches and sewage pollution make regular news.

RSPB Scotland is campaigning alongside other wildlife organisations for new laws to safeguard our seas.

Who is responsible?

Responsibility for the seas around Scotland lies with both the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood and with the UK government at Westminster, so BOTH must deliver new laws to protect our seas and coasts.

The consultations on marine legislation to protect Scotland's seas at Westminster and Holyrood have now closed. Both governments must now co-operate to ensure that the separate Marine Bills fit together, and that they both deliver high standards of joined up protection and management throughout UK seas.

Government proposals for Scotland’s Seas

RSPB Scotland has welcomed the consultation on Scotland's first Marine Bill, which the Scottish Government says includes proposals for 'improved conservation to ensure a healthy future for Scotland's unique wildlife, including internationally important populations of seabirds.' We are pleased that the Government proposes a Marine Management Organisation ('Marine Scotland'), a statutory marine planning system, and a 'three pillar' approach to marine nature conservation, with specific measures for species conservation, site protection and wider seas policy.

We are Europe's number one wildlife-watching destination, and yet we offer little protection to those marine species and habitats that put Scotland on the map.

Despite these very welcome proposals for the Scottish Marine Bill, we do have a number of concerns. As in the UK Draft Marine Bill, there are no proposals for joint planning between the Scotland and the UK, despite the complex mix of devolved and reserved responsibilities within the Scottish territorial waters and offshore zone.

Our other overarching concern is that the proposals seek to balance conservation needs with socio-economic benefits rather than integrating environmental sustainability into all areas of the new regime. Seeking 'trade-offs' will simply undermine the significant benefits the new legislation could offer business and wildlife.

The solution

RSPB Scotland is a keen advocate of marine spatial planning - a planning system for the sea. We believe that this will improve protection of the marine environment through better management of activities. However, it should tackle more than wildlife protection. Based on experience of planning on land, the RSPB believes that marine spatial planning should help wildlife AND people, by helping to avoid planning conflicts and protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Healthy and abundant seas are vital for Scotland's economy. We are Europe's number one wildlife-watching destination, and yet we offer little protection to those marine species and habitats that put Scotland on the map. A Marine Act for Scotland should also create marine protected areas for those 'Scottish specialities' which visitors from all over the world come to our shores to see.

Scotland has the longest and most diverse coastline, largest seabird colonies, best fisheries, richest marine life, and some of the most innovative marine industries in the UK. Yet, we have the dubious honour of running last in the race to protect these valuable resources.

What you can do

Write to your MP and your MSP asking them to work together to ensure Scotland’s seas receive the joined-up protection they deserve.

You can find out who your MP and MSPs are by using the links on the right.

Last modified: 27 October 2008

Downloads

Written Evidence to the Environment and Rural Development Committee Marine Inquiry (67Kb)
RSPB Scotland submission of its views on the marine environment to the Environment and Rural Development Committee.
Making the case for marine spatial planning in Scotland (132Kb)
Tyldesley, D. (2004). The purpose of this report is to identify and evaluate the options for taking marine spatial planning forward in Scotland and to prompt and inform debate within the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Executive.
Potential benefits of marine spatial planning to economy activity in the UK (728Kb)
GHK Consulting and Scott Wilson (2004). Report examining the potential economic benefits of introducing a system of marine spatial planning to the UK.
Scotland's seas (135Kb)
RSPB Scotland is campaigning alongside other wildlife organisations for new laws to safeguard our seas. Briefing on marine policy issues.
Sustainable Seas for All (576Kb)
RSPB Scotland's response to the consultation on Scotland's first marine bill