Marine environment

Explains the changes made to marine legislation to ensure that the law remains operable and effective from 1 January 2021

This guidance document explains the changes made to the Habitats Regulations to ensure that the law remains operable and effective from 1 January 2021.

New sites to offer protection for iconic species. 

Summary of the analysis of responses submitted on the designation of the four possible Marine Protected Areas; North-east Lewis, Sea of the Hebrides, Shiant East Bank and Southern Trench.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of designating the Sea of Hebrides Marine Protected Area.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Rum Special Protection Area.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Coll and Tiree Special Protection Area.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the West Coast of Outer Hebrides Special Protection Area.

Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) of classifying the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch (extension) Special Protection Area.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of designating the Shiant East Bank Marine Protected Area.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of designating the North-east Lewis Marine Protected Area.

Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) of classifying the Moray Firth Special Protection Area.

Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) of classifying the Seas off Foula Special Protection Area.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the seas off St Kilda Special Protection Area.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Bluemull and Colgrave Sounds Special Protection Area.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Outer Firth of Forth and St. Andrews Bay Complex Special Protection Area.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Sound of Gigha SPA.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of designating the Southern Trench Marine Protected Area.

An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Solway Firth Special Protection Area.

This report, on the socio-economic impacts of MPAs, found that there had been localised positive and negative impacts on coastal communities and industries, linked to MPA management measures.

An experimental statistics publication by the Scottish Government.

Summary of the analysis of consultation responses submitted on the designation of a deep sea marine reserve, the West of Scotland possible Marine Protected Area. The consultation opened on the 27 September 2019 and closed on 31 December 2019.

£9.7 million of Scottish Crown Estate revenue to be distributed. 

BRIA relating to the first Scottish Crown Estate strategic management plan.

CRWIA relating to the first Scottish Crown Estate strategic management plan.

A Fairer Scotland Duty impact assessment relating to the first Scottish Crown Estate strategic management plan.

Vision and objectives, priorities and policies for the future management of the estate to deliver wider and long-term social, economic and environmental benefits.

During the Implementation Period (due to last until 31 December 2020), EU legislation relevant to the marine environment will continue to apply.

Cotton bud ban comes into force.