There are a number of different types of licensing and consenting requirements within the marine environment. Licensing and consenting is an important way of permitting activity whilst protecting:
- the environment
- legitimate uses of the sea
- human health
Actions
We administer various regulatory functions for projects and activities in Scottish waters on behalf of Scottish ministers, including:
- marine licensing
- marine licensing and consenting requirements for offshore renewable energy projects including Section 36 consent under the Electricity Act 1989, safety zones and decommissioning programmes
- Marine European Protected Species and basking shark licensing
We have published a guide on licensing and consenting requirements for the marine environment.
Background
Consultation: Implementing Part IV of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement
From 21 November 2025 to 19 December 2025 we consulted on proposed approaches to implementing the EIA Part of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
Read more about the consultation on Citizen Space.
In February 2026 we published a rapid review of Scottish-relevant consultation responses to progress with developing the Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI) before publishing the joint response.
Bills and legislation
We are the regulator responsible for determining marine licence applications on behalf of the Scottish ministers in the Scottish inshore region (between 0 and 12 nautical miles) under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and in the Scottish offshore region (between 12 and 200 nautical miles) under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
Contact
Licensing and consenting requirements contact information.
Privacy notice
See our privacy notice with further information on how we use your data.