Marine environment
-
Cruise ship levy: consultation
We are seeking views on a potential local authority cruise ship levy in Scotland. Specifically on the benefits and problems a cruise ship levy could bring, the potential impacts (both positive and negative), and practical questions about how any such levy could best work.
-
Marine licensing – unexploded ordnance clearance: application guidance
Guidance on marine licensing application requirements for unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.
-
Harbour and grey seals: distribution maps for Scotland
This study presents updated at-sea distribution maps for both harbour and grey seals in Scotland to inform marine spatial planning. The maps are generated using regional habitat preference relationships derived from new tracking data and estimates of seal abundance.
-
Fisheries management measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to the consultation on proposed fisheries management measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The consultation sought input on implementing management measures across 20 MPAs and amending the boundary of the West of Scotland MPA.
-
Clyde Cod closure 2024: report
Report on the 2024 Clyde Cod Closure, detailing both scientific and compliance work carried out in support of this management measure.
-
Marine Protected Area network: 2024 report to the Scottish Parliament
A report to the Scottish Parliament on progress being made in implementing Scotland's Marine Protected Area (MPA) network.
-
National Marine Plan 2 - planning position statement: consultation - easy read
The Planning Position Statement (PPS) is the culmination of work done to date on the development of Scotland’s National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2). This is an easy read version. Take part in the consultation: https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/national-marine-plan-2-planning-position-statement/
-
Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 implementation - assessing Scotland's water environment: policy statement
This policy statement and the associated Standards and Status Directions are intended to provide stakeholders with a better understanding of our approach to the protection of the water environment through the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 (WEWS) .
-
Scottish seabird conservation action plan: vulnerability report
Details the process undertaken to determine the key pressures acting on seabirds whilst at Scottish seas and at breeding colonies and used to inform the development of the Scottish seabird conservation action plan.
-
Scottish seabird conservation - action plan: consultation
We are seeking your views on the Scottish seabird conservation action plan. This sets out a series of proposed priority actions for building seabird resilience and focusing collaborative seabird conservation action.
-
Protecting Scottish Seabirds
Action to restore seabird populations.
-
Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation: analysis of consultation responses and Scottish Government response
Analysis of responses to our consultation on “Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation”. The consultation ran from 21 March 2024 to 16 May 2024.
-
Developing a population model for Rum Manx Shearwaters for assessing offshore wind farm impacts and conservation measures
This study undertook a detailed review and collation of available historical and current data for Manx shearwaters on the Isle of Rum. It combined the data into an integrated population model, allowing the reconstruction of population trends and quantifying of future sensitivities.
-
Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045
This is the final updated version of our biodiversity strategy which sets out our clear ambition for Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity across the country by 2045.
-
Biodiversity: delivery plan 2024 to 2030
The first in a series of rolling delivery plans which form part of our strategic framework for biodiversity, in conjunction with the Scottish biodiversity strategy. It includes actions needed to ensure we are on track to achieving the vision and outcomes in the strategy.
-
Biodiversity strategy and delivery plan: governance, monitoring and evaluation
Sets out our approach to governance, monitoring and evaluation for Scotland's strategic framework for biodiversity, which includes the biodiversity strategy to 2045, delivery plan and statutory nature restoration targets.
-
Offshore Wind Sustained Observation Programme (OW-SOP): scoping report
Physical processes are important as they influence the productivity of the phytoplankton which form the base of the entire North Sea ecosystem. This project recommends approaches to assess the potential impact of offshore wind farms on physical processes.
-
Marine mammals: methodology for combining data
This report introduces a method for integrating digital aerial survey data and passive acoustic baseline data to record the abundance and distribution of marine mammals. The report applies the method in a test case study and provides recommendations on data collection.
-
Seabirds: strategic ornithological compensatory measures: review
A review of potential strategic ornithological compensatory measures, assessing their practical and ecological feasibility in the Scottish context
-
National Marine Plan 2 - planning position statement: consultation
This Planning Position Statement (PPS) is the culmination of our work to date on the development of Scotland’s National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) and consolidates stakeholder feedback, setting out the latest development of high-level objectives and policy ideas for NMP2. Take part in the consultation: https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/national-marine-plan-2-planning-position-statement/
-
Offshore wind - diadromous fish: review - January 2024
A report which identifies evidence gaps relating to the potential impacts of offshore wind development on diadromous fish at a strategic level. The report reviews current knowledge and highlights further strategic research opportunities and areas for consideration.
-
Atlantic salmon from large Scottish east coast rivers - genetic stock identification: report
A report which investigates the potential to sample the genetic constitution of Atlantic salmon to work out which rivers they came from and whether it was possible to distinguish fish from among the large east coast rivers of Scotland.
-
Marine renewable developments in Scottish waters: review of benthic ecological surveying
This study reviews different intertidal and seabed ecology survey methods, used to identify baselines for environmental assessments.
-
Adapting the IPCOD Framework for Harbour Porpoises to Utilise a Dynamic Energy Budget Model in Modelling the Effects of Disturbance
This report outlines work taken to update the Interim Population Consequences of Disturbance framework (iPCoD) model to improve understanding of the effect of renewable energy installations on harbour porpoises.
-
First Minister confirms awards from Marine Fund Scotland
£14 million for marine industries and coastal and island communities in 2024/25.
-
Consultation on offshore marine conservation measures
Fisheries management measures proposed in existing Marine Protected Areas to further protect and restore ecosystems
-
High level Site Summary Details and Potential Impacts of Proposed Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas
Overview of site details and potential impacts of the proposed fisheries management measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
-
West of Scotland Marine Protected Area: draft designation order
Draft designation order for the amendment of the West of Scotland Marine Protected Area.
-
National Marine Plan 2: stakeholder engagement strategy and statement of public participation
A revised stakeholder engagement strategy and statement of public participation for Scotland's National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2).
-
National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report: Consultation Analysis
Analysis of responses to the consultation on the proposed scope and level of detail for the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2).
-
Emamectin benzoate (EMBZ) - environmental quality standard implementation timescales: consultation analysis
Analysis report of our consultation seeking views on the implementation timescales for the new Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) related to emamectin benzoate (EmBz) which ran from April 2023 until July 2023.
-
Aithris Bhliadhnail air Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean 2023
Gaelic version of the National Islands Plan annual report 2023
-
Sandeel fishing - closure proposals: strategic environmental assessment - post adoption statement
Post adoption statement setting out for the findings of the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and consultation responses informed The Sandeel (Prohibition Of Fishing) (Scotland) Order 2024 as adopted.
-
Driving global climate innovation
First Minister launches new technology to decarbonise global shipping.
-
Natural capital - market framework: engagement paper
This engagement paper summarises the key natural capital market framework co -development issues and questions that will be explored. The content will be used to help inform, guide and support all participants during the engagement and co-development process.
-
Sandeel Fishing Consultation: Data Protection Impact Assessment
The data protection impact assessment for the consultation on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters, laying out how respondents data will be handled.
-
National Islands Plan: annual report 2023
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2023 reporting year.
-
Wild salmon strategy implementation plan progress report: 2023-2024
A progress report setting out the progress towards delivering the actions in the wild salmon strategy implementation plan in 2023/24 to protect and restore wild salmon populations.
-
Scottish Marine Protected Areas (MPA) monitoring strategy: supporting annexes 7 to 8
Annexes 7 and 8 of the MPA monitoring strategy covering the recently completed MPA monitoring activities and surveys planned in the next two years.
-
Scottish Marine Protected Areas (MPA) monitoring strategy: supporting annexes 1 to 6
These annexes provide additional context to the MPA monitoring strategy, which outlines our approach to MPA-related survey and monitoring.
-
Scottish Marine Protected Areas (MPA): monitoring strategy
The Scottish Marine Protected Area (MPA) monitoring strategy outlines an approach to MPA-related survey and monitoring to ensure that sufficient information is collected to underpin assessment and reporting obligations.
-
Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 - Marine Conservation Order provision changes: environmental report
This environmental report was produced as part of the strategic environmental assessment accompanying our consultation on facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation.
-
Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation: consultation
We are consulting on legislative proposals which would enable Scottish Ministers to introduce a registration process for marine nature restoration projects, and apply Marine Conservation Orders to habitats and species undergoing restoration and standalone European marine sites.
-
Sgìrean Mara Fìorghlèidhte (HPMAan): Anailis freagairtean co-chomhairle Geàrr-chunntas
Gaelic language translation of the analysis report executive summary on the responses to the consultation on Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) which ran from 12 December 2022 to 17 April 2023.
-
Co-chomhairle air Sgìrean Mara Fìor -ghlèidhte (HPMAan) Geàrr-chunntas air Freagairt Riaghaltas na h-Alba dhan Cho-chomhairle
Gaelic language translation of our executive summary response to the public consultation on the proposal to designate 10% of Scottish seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) by 2026.
-
The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland's Economy - Evidence Base & Policy Levers
This report presents evidence and initial recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use the available policy levers to support the transformations in Scotland’s economy needed to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
-
Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh
This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.
-
Geàrr-iomradh air a' Phlana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government. This is a Gaelic summary of the Plan.
-
National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read
Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.
-
National Good Food Nation Plan
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.
-
National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation
We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.
-
Ro-innleachd airson Saidheans Mara is Ùrghnàthachadh
’S e seo an Ro-innleachd ùr airson Saidheans Mara is Ùr-ghnàthachadh aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba. Tha i a’ cur amasan an cèill airson saidheans mara agus ùr-ghnàthachadh ann an Alba agus a’ stèidheachadh sia builean gus barrachd bhuannachdan fhaighinn bho ar n-obair saidheans, fianais agus dàta.
-
Marine science and innovation strategy
Establishes the vision for marine science and innovation in Scotland and six outcomes to strengthen the impact of marine science, evidence and data.
-
Scottish islands: data overview 2023
This report gives a snapshot of Scotland's island-level data as collated in the new Scottish Islands Data Dashboard and draws out key findings relating to each of the strategic objective topic areas set out in the National Islands Plan.
-
Participatory engagement and social research: methods toolkit
A toolkit of methods available to assist developers, consultants, and researchers carrying out socio-economic impact assessments (SEIA).
-
Building a New Scotland: Our marine sector in an independent Scotland
This paper sets out the Scottish Government's vision for the marine sector in an independent Scotland.
-
Building a New Scotland: Our marine sector in an independent Scotland - easy read version
Easy read version of the Scottish Government's vision for the marine sector in an independent Scotland.
-
Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) consultation: Scottish Government response
Our response to the public consultation on the proposal to designate 10% of Scottish seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) by 2026.
-
Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs): consultation analysis - final report
Analysis report on the responses to the consultation on Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) which ran from 12 December 2022 to 17 April 2023.
-
Automated video identification of marine species (AVIMS) - new application: report
A commissioned report on the development of a web-based computer application for machine learning-based (semi-)automated analysis of underwater video footage obtained during the monitoring of aquatic environments.
-
Marine piling - energy conversion factors in underwater radiated sound: review
A report which investigates the Energy Conversion Factor (ECF) method and provides recommendations regarding the modelling approaches for impact piling as used in environmental impact assessments (EIA) in Scottish Waters.
-
How much do people in Scotland value characteristics of marine and coastal areas
This report summarises the results of a choice experiment survey that was designed to capture the preferences of Scottish people towards the management of marine and coastal areas in Scotland.
-
Offshore renewable developments - developing marine mammal dynamic energy budget models: report
A report detailing the Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) frameworks and their potential for integration into the iPCoD framework for harbour seal, grey seal, bottlenose dolphin, and minke whale (building on an existing DEB model for harbour porpoise to help improve marine mammal assessments for offshore renewable developments.
-
Offshore wind - birds on migration in Scottish waters: strategic review
A report detailing the migratory routes of bird species around the UK and Ireland which have the potential to be impacted by offshore wind developments. This forms part of the strategic study of collision risk for birds on migration and further development of the stochastic collision risk modelling tool work package one.
-
Understanding seabird behaviour at sea part 2: improved estimates of collision risk model parameters
Report detailing research using GPS tags to track Scottish seabirds at sea.
-
Offshore wind energy - sectoral marine plan: seabird tagging feasibility
How to undertake a seabird tagging study for species and colonies potentially impacted by the sectoral marine plan for offshore wind energy
-
Wet wipes containing plastic - proposed ban: strategic environmental assessment
Consultation on strategic environmental assessment (SEA) for the proposed ban on the manufacture, supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic.
-
Wet wipes containing plastic - proposed ban: partial BRIA
Consultation on partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the proposed ban on the manufacture, supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic.
-
Outer Hebrides creel limitation pilot: research and evaluation
Presents the findings of the survey made into the operational implications and socio-economic impacts of the Outer Hebrides Creel Limitation Pilot on fishers.
-
Improving inshore fisheries data: Consultation on requiring electronic tracking and monitoring technology on under 12 metre commercial fishing vessels
We are seeking views on using electronic tracking and monitoring technologies on under 12 metre commercial fishing vessels in Scottish waters (and Scottish vessels wherever they operate).
-
Improving understanding of seabird bycatch in Scottish longline fisheries and exploring potential solutions
A Scottish Government funded study to improve knowledge and understanding of bycatch in the offshore longline fishery that targets hake in the United Kingdom and European Union waters, through new data analyses and discourse with industry.
-
Future Catching Policy: Scottish Government response to consultation analysis report
Scottish Government response to public consultation on Future Catching Policy (FCP)
-
Sea fisheries - future catching policy: consultation analysis
Analysis of public consultation on Future Catching Policy (FCP).
-
Marine resources – remote electronic monitoring: consultation analysis
Analysis of public consultation on remote electronic monitoring (REM) as part of ensuring the long term sustainability of marine resources.
-
Sandeel fishing consultation: review of scientific evidence
The review of scientific evidence that has been used to inform the development of proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters.
-
Sandeel fishing: consultation
We are consulting on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters. This paper explains the background of the consultation, options considered, and outlining the questions for respondents.
-
Sandeel fishing consultation: draft partial business and regulatory impact assessment
The draft partial business and regulatory impact assessment for the consultation on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters.
-
Sandeel fishing consultation: strategic environmental assessment - draft environmental report
The draft environmental report produced from the strategic environmental assessment on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters.
-
Sandeel fishing consultation: data protection impact assessment
The data protection impact assessment for the consultation on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters, laying out how respondents data will be handled.
-
Vision for sustainable aquaculture: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment for the vision for sustainable aquaculture.
-
Vision for sustainable aquaculture
The Vision for sustainable aquaculture describes the Scottish Government’s long-term aspirations to 2045 for the finfish, shellfish and seaweed farming sectors, and the wider aquaculture supply chain.
-
Next steps for marine protection
Further community and industry engagement planned.
-
Developing essential fish habitat maps: report
The project helped define areas of the sea essential to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. Twenty-nine species and multiple life-stages were reviewed covering marine fish and shellfish of commercial and ecological importance, relevant to offshore wind development areas.
-
Emamectin benzoate (EmBz) - environmental quality standard (EQS) - implementation: consultation
Sets out our directions to the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on the application of a new environmental quality standard (EQS) for Emamectin benzoate (EmBz). We are seeking views on the timescale SEPA should implement to apply the new EQS reducing the discharge limits for these farms.
-
Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
-
Funding boost for the marine sector
Support package of up to £14 million announced.
-
Proposal to designate Red Rocks and Longay as a Marine Protected Area: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to our consultation on the proposal to designate Red Rocks and Longay as a Marine Protected Area which ran from 1 February 2022 to 26 April 2022.
-
Sectoral Marine Plan: roadmap of actions
Road map of actions required to improve our understanding of the potential implications of ScotWind sites on seabirds as identified by the Sectoral Marine Plan.
-
Offshore wind developments - collision and displacement in petrels and shearwaters: literature review
Literature review of the risk of collision and displacement in petrels and shearwaters from offshore wind developments in Scotland.
-
Delivering Scotland's Blue Economy approach
Sets out the first phase of delivery towards our Blue Economy Vision (published March 2022). It provides a clear picture of where we are now in relation to the six Blue Economy outcomes and sets out our next steps in delivering a collaborative approach in Scotland.
-
Ocean literacy survey: headline findings
Headline findings from an online survey with the public in Scotland on the topic of ocean literacy - exploring the public's understanding of the marine environment. It is part of a wider project covering England and Wales.
-
Scenario mapping for offshore renewable energy development economic benefits: case studies
Report to identify, measure and value the delivered and potential economic impact for Scotland from offshore wind and tidal energy projects.
-
National marine plan 2: engagement strategy
Stakeholder engagement strategy and statement of public participation for Scotland's national marine plan 2.
-
Fisheries and climate change: opinions from the wild capture fishing sector
Analysis and summary of an online survey of key stakeholders in the wild capture fishing sector, conducted by Marine Scotland during the COP26 climate change summit in 2021.
-
Seafood strategy annex: rationale and impact
The rationale underlying the strategy for seafood and the potential impact it could have on parts of Scotland’s marine economy.
-
Seafood strategy
Affirms the importance of the seafood sector and sets out how we are supporting industry to contribute to achieving our blue economy aspirations.
-
Marine litter strategy
This refreshed marine litter strategy outlines new priority actions to tackle marine litter in Scotland, building on the work already conducted through the original strategy.
-
National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2022
Details how we will deliver our priorities over the lifetime of the National Islands Plan. It identifies the methods to monitor progress towards fulfilling the many commitments in the Plan and sets out timescales for delivery of our work.
-
Fisheries management strategy 2020 to 2030: delivery plan
The delivery plan supports the delivery of outcomes and policies set out in Scotland’s Future Fisheries Strategy and will help stakeholders understand the progress so far in delivering key aspects of the strategy so far, indicating timelines for delivery of actions over the next 10 years.
-
Fishing practices adapted in commercial fisheries: review
Comprehensive literature review on the specific interventions taken in Scotland, the UK and EU to reduce the climate related impacts of the marine wild capture fisheries sector complemented with a series of stakeholder interviews on direct experiences and challenges.
-
Develop best practice recommendations for combining seabird study data collected from different platforms: study
This study developed best practice guidance to combine seabird survey data collected from different platforms based on a literature review, expert knowledge and a bespoke model development including sensitivity analysis. This can be used in environmental assessments for planning and licensing.
-
Improving Our Understanding of Seabird Behaviour at Sea
This project collated tracking data from five seabird species thought to be vulnerable to offshore wind farms. These data were analysed to understand whether seabird distribution data, usually undertaken in daytime, good weather conditions, were representative of behaviour in other conditions.
-
Impact of climate change on seabird species off the east coast of Scotland and potential implications for environmental assessments: study
This study investigated the potential impacts of climate change on seabird distribution, abundance and demography off the east coast of Scotland, and examined integration of these climate models into standard population forecast models used in assessments for offshore wind developments.
-
Women in Scottish fisheries: literature review
Findings from a review of research literature, case studies and examples of good practice from Scotland and beyond, alongside existing government strategies, to provide insights into challenges and opportunities presented for women in Scottish fishing.
-
Biodiversity strategy: consultation
Biodiversity is vital for us all and it is in crisis, globally and in Scotland, so we need to change the way we use natural resources. We are seeking views on how we should tackle the biodiversity crisis through a new biodiversity strategy which will drive this transformation.
-
Electricity Act 1989 - section 36 applications: guidance for applicants on using the design envelope
Guidance from Marine Scotland and the Energy Consents Unit on using the design envelope approach for applications under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 where flexibility is required in applications.
-
Funding to support salmon recovery
Projects aim to bring salmon population back from crisis point.
-
Aquaculture - use and efficacy of Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs): report
A report into Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs) in the aquaculture sector to provide a better understanding of how they are being used, their efficacy and any potential for impact on sensitive non-target species. Records described the extent of ADD use in Scotland from 2014 to 2020.
-
A Blue Economy Vision for Scotland
Sets out our long-term ambition for Scotland’s blue economy to 2045. It demonstrates how much we value our marine environment and its significance. This is captured in six outcomes sitting across a range of environmental, social and economic ambitions.
-
Conserving Scotland’s marine environment
Two new protected sites in Orkney for vulnerable seabirds.
-
Blue Carbon International Policy Challenge
International collaborations to support our seas and oceans.
-
Funding to tackle marine litter
Project sees fishers remove debris from the ocean
-
Safeguarding Scotland’s marine environment
New sites to offer protection for iconic species.
-
Scotland's Marine Economic Statistics 2018
An experimental statistics publication by the Scottish Government.
-
Support for coastal communities
£9.7 million of Scottish Crown Estate revenue to be distributed.
-
Action on plastics
Cotton bud ban comes into force.
-
Japan-Scotland subsea partnership
Launch of £20.9 million investment.
There is a problem
Thanks for your feedback