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Marine management

The seas around Scotland are some of the most productive in the world. Scotland's seafood industries depend on the health of marine biodiversity, while the coast is one of Scotland's foremost recreation assets.

  • Scotland's shellfish is some of the best in the world and is exported to many countries in Europe and beyond - this industry depends on a high-quality natural environment.
  • Aquaculture around Scotland's coasts provides jobs in many rural areas - and if it is to be sustained, it is important that the sector looks after the environment it uses.
  • Angling in Scotland's freshwater rivers and lochs depends on salmon and sea trout returning through a high-quality marine environment.
  • Scotland's coasts are some of the country's most dramatic landscapes and attract many visitors from both the UK and abroad, contributing much to Scotland's tourism industry.
  • Many people come to Scotland's coastal areas to enjoy themselves on our seas - including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing.
  • Wildlife-watching around our coasts - whether it be birds, dolphins, whales or wildlife - brings many visitors to Scotland.

However, in many cases maritime environments may be harmed by current management practices. If Scotland is to keep getting these benefits from its coasts and seas then everyone must play their part in looking after them.

Working with others

We welcome the opportunities arising from a new and integrated policy approach to sustainable management of the sea. We work with Marine Scotland external site to help put concern for Scotland's marine environment at the heart of decision making. We want to see a plan-led approach to its management which takes account of both coasts and seas and anticipates future challenges.

  •  We have worked closely with the Scottish Government, Marine Scotland and others involved in marine management to help develop the Marine Bill
  • We are members of the Scottish Coastal Forum external site  and work closely with communities through local coastal partnerships and Inshore Fishery Groups
  • We help others to understand the vulnerability of marine ecosystems and the need to improve marine biodiversity
  • We want better sharing of marine natural heritage data, especially to help with marine planning
  • We promote the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code external site
  • We support the development of sustainable marine renewable energy and help guide the research needed to understand its impacts
  • We work with the aquaculture industry to help containment and share good practice in predator control
  • We provide grant to support to KIMO for its Fishing for Litter external site initiative
  • We share the lessons from good examples of sustainable marine management, including through our Sharing Good Practice programme