Marine environment
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Commission for the land-based learning review: report to Scottish Ministers
The report produced by the Commission, a short term advisory group established to provide independent, evidence-based advice and submitted to Scottish Ministers on how to attract more people into land-based and aquaculture sectors by improving learning pathways.
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Red Rocks and Longay Marine Protected Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) which looks at the social and economic impacts of the designation of the Red Rocks and Longay Marine Protected Area (MPA).
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Proposal to designate Red Rocks and Longay as a MPA: SG response to consultation
Our response to the public consultation on the proposal to designate Red Rocks and Longay as a Marine Protected Area (MPA), including addressing any issues in relation to the advice from NatureScot or the assessments produced as part of the consultation.
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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.
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Farm salmon escape event: levels of farm/wild hybridisation
Results of a genetic survey to examine levels of farm/wild hybrid salmon in rivers local to a large-scale farm escape in in south west Scotland and north east England. This occurred in 2020 when MOWI’s Carradale North fish farm shifted position after its seabed anchors became dislodged during Storm Ellen.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas - policy framework and site selection guidelines: strategic environmental asessment
This initial strategic environmental report assesses the environmental impacts of the Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) policy.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas - policy framework and site selection guidelines: socio-economic impact assessment – methodology
This initial socio-economic impact assessment (SEIA) identifies and assesses potential economic and social effects of HPMAs and proposes a methodology for carrying out the site specific SEIAs.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas: consultation
This consultation paper sets out the background, process, and rationale for Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA), as well as containing the consultation questions.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas: policy framework
Sets out our proposed definition and aims of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) and what this could mean for different activities taking place in Scottish waters. Also describes how we will account for socio-economic factors alongside ecological considerations and proposed new legal powers.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas - policy framework and site selection guidelines: ICIA – partial screening report
This report seeks to complete the first two stages of the island communities impact assessment (ICIA) process by identifying whether there are issues which merit further exploration. Consultation responses will be used to determine whether a full ICIA is required once specific HPMA sites are proposed.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas: stakeholder engagement plan
This stakeholder engagement plan outlines how stakeholders can engage with the Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) process and provide their input and views.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas - policy framework and site selection guidelines: sustainability appraisal
Drafted by marine consultants ABPmer, the sustainability appraisal provides assessment of any cumulative impacts of the Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) policy and is based upon the draft policy framework and site selection guidelines.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) - site selection: draft guidelines
Guidelines describing the proposed process for identifying and selecting Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in Scottish waters. These were drafted by our statutory nature conservation advisors, NatureScot and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).
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Highly Protected Marine Areas - policy framework and site selection guidelines: partial BRIA
The partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) presents an initial assessment of the potential costs, benefits and risks of introducing HPMAs and their potential impacts on public, private or third sectors.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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National marine plan 2: engagement strategy
Stakeholder engagement strategy and statement of public participation for Scotland's national marine plan 2.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Digital aerial seabird and cetacean surveys off the east coast of Scotland
This report provides eight digital aerial surveys of seabirds and marine mammals across the seas east of Scotland between February 2020-January 2021, a task driven by the need of updating existing data. The main difference was seen in seabird distribution, with little change to cetacean abundance.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Marine litter strategy for Scotland: consultation analysis
Analysis report of responses to the consultation on a refreshed Marine Litter Strategy for Scotland.
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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.
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Development of a novel physiology tag to measure oxygen consumption in free-ranging seabirds: research
This project took initial steps to develop a new type of tag that can measure energy expenditure of seabirds. To do this, the project adapted a Near-infrared spectroscopy system for humans, that can measure muscle oxygen saturation, and deployed the new tags on European shags.
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Feasibility of extending SeabORD to the entire breeding season: study
SeabORD is a method that can assess displacement and barrier effects from offshore renewables on seabirds, but is currently limited to four species during the chick-rearing season. This review examined ways to improve the SeabORD model including extending to the entire breeding season.
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Fish and fisheries research to inform ScotMER evidence gaps and future strategic research in the UK: review
This study undertook a literature review and consultation with key stakeholders to establish current knowledge for evidence gaps identified in the ScotMER Fish and Fisheries evidence map. This report includes research recommendations to help fill remaining strategic priority gaps.
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Offshore wind developments assessment - seabird collision risk, displacement and barrier effects: study
This project developed a new framework to enable the assessment of collision, displacement and barrier effects on seabirds from offshore renewable developments to be integrated into a single overall assessment of combined impacts.
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Assessing fisheries displacement by other licensed marine activities: good practice guidance
This project developed ‘Good Practice Guidance for Assessing Fisheries Displacement’ through a detailed literature review and consultation with the ScotMER Fish and Fisheries Receptor Group (FFSRG), commercial fisheries industry, offshore energy and regulatory sectors.
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Assessing fisheries displacement by other licensed marine activities: good practice guidance - literature review
This project developed ‘Good Practice Guidance for Assessing Fisheries Displacement’ through a detailed literature review and consultation with the ScotMER Fish and Fisheries Receptor Group (FFSRG), commercial fisheries industry, offshore energy and regulatory sectors.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Funding to support salmon recovery
Projects aim to bring salmon population back from crisis point.
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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.
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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.
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Marine proposed Special Protection Areas strategic environmental assessment: post adoption statement
A strategic environmental assessment post adoption statement setting out how the assessment and consultation responses have been taken into account in the introduction of Special Protection Areas.
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Fisheries - future catching policy: consultation
Scotland’s future catching policy (FCP) is a key component of our fisheries management strategy. It will develop new rules, in cooperation with stakeholders, to regulate activity at sea in order to support the increased accountability and sustainability of Scottish fisheries.
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Marine resources - remote electronic monitoring (REM): business and regulatory impact assessment
A partial business and regulatory Impact assessment (BRIA) on remote electronic monitoring (REM).
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Marine resources - ensuring long term sustainability: remote electronic monitoring (REM) consultation
Remote electronic monitoring (REM) is a component of our Future Fisheries Management Strategy (FFM). This policy explores the installation of cameras, GPS and sensors on board vessels to monitor fishing activity.
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Good Food Nation - programme of measures: interim update 2022
A report on the progress made on Scotland's Good Food Nation ambitions.
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Potential scale of Scottish seaweed-based industries: research paper
This report provides an assessment of the current status and future growth opportunities for Scottish seaweed-based industries. It includes a scenario analysis that explores the key areas of growth for the seaweed sector and the wider economic and social impacts of possible growth scenarios.
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Seaweed Review statement: February 2022
A statement that provides an update on the work completed to date through the Seaweed Review Steering Group.
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Sectoral marine plan - offshore wind for innovation and targeted oil and gas decarbonisation: initial plan framework
The Initial Plan Framework (IPF) outlines the process for development of the Sectoral Marine Plan for Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) Decarbonisation. The IPF also sets out the areas that will be used for future seabed leasing.
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Conserving Scotland’s marine environment
Two new protected sites in Orkney for vulnerable seabirds.
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Clyde cod spawning closures
Areas of the Firth of Clyde closed for all fishing between 14 February and 30 April in 2022 and 2023, to protect cod during their spawning season.
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Proposal to designate Red Rocks and Longay as a Marine Protected Area: consultation
An overview of the consultation to designate a new Marine Protected Area within the Inner Sound of Skye, including short summaries of the available documentation. The MPA will protect flapper skate and their eggs as well as the geodiversity feature, Quaternary of Scotland.
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Marine litter strategy: consultation
This consultation proposes new priority actions to tackle marine litter in Scotland, building on the work already conducted through the original strategy. Responses to this consultation will inform the final updated Marine Litter Strategy and action plan before it is published.
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Scotland's Climate Assembly - recommendations for action: SG response
Scotland's Climate Assembly published their full report on 23 June 2021. It included 81 recommendations for the Scottish Government, who had six months to respond. This response sets out the existing and proposed actions that government will take in order to address their recommendations.
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Single-Use Plastics Regulations: draft guidance
Draft guidance for the implementation of the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (the Regulations). A final version will be produced before the Regulations come into force on 1 June 2022.
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Supporting impact - Scottish Crown Estate net revenue: local authority use and insights
Net Revenues from the Scottish Crown Estate have been distributed to coastal Local Authorities for the benefit of coastal communities since 2019. This study was commissioned as part of the review process for the first two rounds of distribution of Scottish Crown Estate net revenues.
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Blue Carbon International Policy Challenge
International collaborations to support our seas and oceans.
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Scottish Nephrops Working Group Report: Scottish Government response
Our response to the recommendations in the Scottish Nephrops Working Group report of September 2021.
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Clyde cod spawning closure 2022-2023: consultation
Since 2001, a specific area in the Firth of Clyde has been closed to fishing each year between 14 February and 30 April, in order to protect spawning cod. This consultation is seeking views on continuing this closure for 2022 and 2023.
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Funding to tackle marine litter
Project sees fishers remove debris from the ocean
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Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 2020
National Statistics publication that provides data on the tonnage and value of all landings of sea fish and shellfish by Scottish vessels, all landings into Scotland, the rest of the UK and abroad, and the size and structure of the Scottish fishing fleet and employment on Scottish vessels.
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Development of a combined marine and terrestrial biodiversity indicator: research
A commissioned research report on development of a new single high level biodiversity indicator covering marine and terrestrial (including freshwater) habitats to measure trends and replace the existing biodiversity indicator in the National Performance Framework.
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EU Exit: marine environmental legislation in Scotland
Explains the changes made to marine legislation to ensure that the law remains operable and effective from 1 January 2021
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EU Exit: habitats regulations in Scotland
This guidance document explains the changes made to the Habitats Regulations to ensure that the law remains operable and effective from 1 January 2021.
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Safeguarding Scotland’s marine environment
New sites to offer protection for iconic species.
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Designation of four Marine Protected Areas in Scottish waters: consultation analysis
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.
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Sea of Hebrides Marine Protected Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of designating the Sea of Hebrides Marine Protected Area.
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Rum Special Protection Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Rum Special Protection Area.
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Coll and Tiree Special Protection Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Coll and Tiree Special Protection Area.
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West Coast of Outer Hebrides Special Protection Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the West Coast of Outer Hebrides Special Protection Area.
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Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch (extension) Special Protection Area: BRIA
Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) of classifying the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch (extension) Special Protection Area.
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Shiant East Bank Marine Protected Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of designating the Shiant East Bank Marine Protected Area.
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North-east Lewis Marine Protected Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of designating the North-east Lewis Marine Protected Area.
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Moray Firth Special Protection Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) of classifying the Moray Firth Special Protection Area.
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Seas off Foula Special Protection Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) of classifying the Seas off Foula Special Protection Area.
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Seas off St Kilda Special Protection Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the seas off St Kilda Special Protection Area.
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Bluemull and Colgrave Sounds Special Protection Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Bluemull and Colgrave Sounds Special Protection Area.
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Outer Firth of Forth and St. Andrews Bay Complex Special Protection Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Outer Firth of Forth and St. Andrews Bay Complex Special Protection Area.
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Sound of Gigha Special Protection Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Sound of Gigha SPA.
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Southern Trench Marine Protected Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of designating the Southern Trench Marine Protected Area.
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Solway Firth Special Protection Area: business and regulatory impact assessment
An assessment of the business and regulatory impacts of classifying the Solway Firth Special Protection Area.
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Monitoring the socio-economic impacts of Marine Protected Areas: report
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.
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Scotland's Marine Economic Statistics 2018
An experimental statistics publication by the Scottish Government.
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Designating a deep sea marine reserve in Scottish waters: consultation analysis
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.
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Support for coastal communities
£9.7 million of Scottish Crown Estate revenue to be distributed.
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Scottish Crown Estate strategic management plan: business and regulatory impact assessment
BRIA relating to the first Scottish Crown Estate strategic management plan.
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Scottish Crown Estate strategic management plan: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
CRWIA relating to the first Scottish Crown Estate strategic management plan.
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Scottish Crown Estate strategic management plan: Fairer Scotland Duty
A Fairer Scotland Duty impact assessment relating to the first Scottish Crown Estate strategic management plan.
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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.
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Marine environment: Brexit update
During the Implementation Period (due to last until 31 December 2020), EU legislation relevant to the marine environment will continue to apply.
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Action on plastics
Cotton bud ban comes into force.
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Japan-Scotland subsea partnership
Launch of £20.9 million investment.
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