Draft marine and coastal restoration plan: strategic environmental assessment environmental report

Footnotes

1 Scottish Government (2024). Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 [online] Available at: Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 - gov.scot (accessed 08/07/2025)

2 The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004. Available at: The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (accessed 30/05/2025).

3 Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, asp 15 [online] Available at: Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 (accessed 30/05/2025)

4 Due to the geographical scope of the Plan, both the 2005 Act and the 2004 Regulations are applicable. The 2004 Regulations are referenced throughout this report, but the requirements of both the 2005 Act and the 2004 Regulations have been applied.

5 Scottish Government (2020). Marine Scotland Assessment. Pelagic habitats [online] Available at: Pelagic habitats | Scotland's Marine Assessment 2020 (accessed 30/05/2025)

6 Defra (2025). Marine Strategy Part One: UK Updated assessment and Good Environmental Status [online] Available at: Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status Consultation document (accessed 26/06/2025)

7 Cunningham, C. and Hunt, C. (2023). Scottish Blue Carbon - a literature review of the current evidence for Scotland’s blue carbon habitats. NatureScot Research Report 1326 [online] Available at: Scottish Blue Carbon - a literature review of the current evidence for Scotland’s blue carbon habitats | NatureScot (accessed 12/06/2025)

8 The Wildlife Trusts (nd) Biogenic reefs [online] Available at: Biogenic reefs (accessed 16/06/2025)

9 NatureScot (2023). National Scenic Areas [online] Available at: National Scenic Areas | NatureScot (accessed 30/05/2025)

10 NatureScot (2024). Planning and development: coastal change [online] Available at: Planning and development: coastal change | NatureScot (accessed 30/05/2025)

11 The James Hutton Institute (nd). Scotland’s Coastal Assets [online] Available at: Scotland’s Coastal Assets (accessed 30/05/2025)

12 Scottish Government (2024). Scotland’s Marine Economic Statistics 2022 [online] Available at: Scotland's Marine Economic Statistics 2022 - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

13 NatureScot (2025). Measuring participation [online] Available at: Measuring participation | NatureScot (accessed 30/05/2025)

14 NatureScot (2025). Measuring participation [online] Available at: Measuring participation | NatureScot (accessed 30/05/2025)

15 Scottish Government (2024). Biodiversity: delivery plan 2024 to 2030 [online] Available at: Biodiversity: delivery plan 2024 to 2030 - gov.scot (accessed 30/05/2025)

16 Due to the geographical scope of the Plan, both the 2005 Act and the 2004 Regulations are applicable. The 2004 Regulations are referenced through this report, but the requirements of both the 2005 Act and the 2004 Regulations have been applied.

17 The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004. Available at: The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (accessed 30/05/2025).

18 Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, asp 15 [online] Available at: Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 (accessed 30/05/2025)

19 Scottish Government (2013). Strategic Environmental Assessment: guidance [online] Available at: Strategic Environmental Assessment: guidance - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

20 Historic Environment Scotland (HES), NatureScot and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

21 The Environment Agency, Natural England (now includes Countryside Agency) and English Heritage.

22 Scottish Government (2015). Scotland’s National Marine Plan [online] Available at: 4. General Policies - Scotland's National Marine Plan - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

23 Scottish Government (2015). Scotland’s National Marine Plan [online] Available at: 4. General Policies - Scotland's National Marine Plan - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

24 Scottish Government (2024). Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation: consultation [online] Available at: Setting the scene - Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation: consultation - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

25 Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 [online] Available at: Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997s (accessed 24/04/2025)

26 Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 [online] Available at: Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (accessed 24/04/2025)

27 Marine Scotland Act 2010 [online] Available at: Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (accessed 24/04/2025)

28 Scottish Government (2015). Scotland’s National Marine Plan [online] Available at: 4. General Policies - Scotland's National Marine Plan - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

29 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habitats) Regulations 2001 are collectively known as the Habitats Regulations

30 Crown Estate Scotland (2024) Leasing [online] Available at: Leasing | Crown Estate Scotland (accessed 24/04/2025)

31 NatureScot (2024) Conservation translocations [online] Available at: Non-native species licensing | NatureScot (accessed 24/04/2025)

32 The Aquatic Animal Health (Scotland) Regulations 2009 [online] Available at: The Aquatic Animal Health (Scotland) Regulations 2009 (accessed 24/04/2025)

33 Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 [online] Available at: Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (accessed 24/04/2025)

34 Harbours Act 1964 [online] Available at: Harbours Act 1964 (accessed 24/04/2025)

35 SEPA (2024) Authorisations and permits [online] Available at: Authorisations and permits | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (accessed 24/04/2025)

36 Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 [online] available at: Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (accessed 24/04/2025)

37 Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 [online] Available at: Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (accessed 24/04/2025)

38 Although Soil, Water and Climatic Factors have been assessed under ‘Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna’, relevant policies relating to each are presented under their own headings for ease of reading.

39 UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 [online] Available at: UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 (accessed 24/04/2025)

40 The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, Schedule 2. Available at: The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (accessed 30/05/2025).

41 NatureScot (2024) Information Note – Marine Habitat Enhancement, Recovery, Restoration and Creation in Scotland: Terminology and Examples [online] Available at: Information Note - Marine Habitat Enhancement, Recovery, Restoration and Creation in Scotland: Terminology and Examples | NatureScot (accessed 28/04/2025)

42 Natural Resources Wales (2022). Terms used in Wales for marine and coastal enhancement [online] Available at: Terms used in Wales for marine and coastal enhancement (accessed 28/04/2025)

43 Natural England (2024). Environment Act Habitat Target – Definitions and Descriptions [online] Available at: Environment Act Habitat Targets - Definitions and Descriptions (accessed 28/04/2025)

44 NatureScot (2024) Information Note – Marine Habitat Enhancement, Recovery, Restoration and Creation in Scotland: Terminology and Examples [online] Available at: Information Note - Marine Habitat Enhancement, Recovery, Restoration and Creation in Scotland: Terminology and Examples | NatureScot (accessed 28/04/2025)

45 Natural England (2024). Environment Act Habitat Target – Definitions and Descriptions [online] Available at: Environment Act Habitat Targets - Definitions and Descriptions (accessed 28/04/2025)

46 Scottish Government (2013). Planning Scotland’s Seas: 2013 – Possible Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas Consultation Overview – Strategic Environmental Assessment Report [online] Available at: Supporting documents - Planning Scotland's Seas: 2013 - Possible Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas Consultation Overview - Strategic Environmental Assessment Report - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

47 Scottish Government (2014). 2014 Consultation on the Management of Inshore Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Protected Areas Overview [online] Available at: Introduction - 2014 Consultation on the Management of Inshore Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Protected Areas Overview - gov.scot accessed 24/04/2025)

48 Scottish Government (2018). SEA of Marine Proposed Special Protection Areas Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report. Available at: Updated Environmental Report SEA of a proposed network of SPAs (accessed 24/04/2025)

49 Marine Scotland (2019). Sustainability Environmental Assessment of proposed Marine Protected Areas Sustainability Appraisal [online] Available at: SEA of proposed MPAs SA (accessed 24/04/2025)

50 Marine Scotland (2019). Proposed Deep Sea Marine Reserve Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report [online] Available at: Proposed Deep Sea Marine Reserve SEA Environmental Report (accessed 24/04/2025)

51 Marine Scotland (2018). SEA of Proposed Inshore PMF Management Measures Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening and Scoping Report [online] Available at: SEA of Proposed Inshore PMF Management Measures (accessed 24/04/2025)

52 Scottish Government (2024). Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) - Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report [online] Available at: Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) - Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report - gov.scot (accessed 08/07/2025)

53 Scottish Government (2013). Planning Scotland’s Seas: Draft Sectoral Marine Plans for Offshore Renewable Energy in Scottish Waters – Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report and Appendix A [online] Available at: Contents - Draft Sectoral Marine Plans for Offshore Renewable Energy in Scottish Waters- Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report and Appendix A - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

54 Scottish Government (2025). Offshore wind energy - draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan: strategic environmental assessment [online] Available at: Offshore wind energy - draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan: strategic environmental assessment - gov.scot (accessed 12/06/2025)

55 Scottish Government (2023). National Marine Plan 2 - strategic environmental assessment: scoping report [online] Available at: National Marine Plan 2 - strategic environmental assessment: scoping report - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

56 Scottish Government (2024). Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 - Marine Conservation Order provision changes: environmental report [online] Available at: Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 - Marine Conservation Order provision changes: environmental report - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

57 Scottish Government (2013). Planning Scotland’s Seas: Draft Sectoral Marine Plans for Offshore Renewable Energy in Scottish Waters – Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report and Appendix A [online] Available at: Contents - Draft Sectoral Marine Plans for Offshore Renewable Energy in Scottish Waters- Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report and Appendix A - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

58 The Wildlife Trusts (nd). Seagrass [online] Available at: Seagrass | The Wildlife Trusts (accessed 08/05/2025)

59 Forrester, J., Leonardi, N., Cooper, J., Kumar, J. (2024). Seagrass as a nature-based solution for coastal protection. Ecological Engineering, volume 206, 107316.

60 Climate Action Regional Offices (CARO (nd) How Sand Dunes Protect Us [online] Available at: They Protect Us (accessed 09/06/2025)

61 Preston et al. (2021). Monitoring European Native Oyster Restoration Projects: An introduction. In: European Native Oyster Habitat Restoration Monitoring Handbook (eds. zu Ermgassen, P.S.E., Bos, O., Debney, A., Gamble, C., Glover, A., Pogoda, B., Pouvreau, S., Sanderson, W., Smyth, D. and Preston, J). The Zoological Society of London, UK., London, UK.

62 Scottish Natural Heritage (2015). Beavers in Scotland: A report to the Scottish Government [online] Available at: Beavers in Scotland report | NatureScot (accessed 19/05/2025)

63 NatureScot (2022). Review of Capercaillie Conservation and Management – Report to the Scientific Advisory Committee [online] Available at: Review of Capercaillie Conservation and Management - Report to the Scientific Advisory Committee | NatureScot (accessed 19/05/2025)

64 Scotland The Big Picture (nd). Cranes Comeback [online] Available at: Cranes Comeback | SCOTLAND: The Big Picture (accessed 19/05/2025)

65 Rewilding Britain (nd). White-Tailed Eagle [online] Available at: White-tailed eagle reintroduction & conservation | Rewilding Britain (accessed 19/05/2025)

66 Nelson, J., Zavaleta, E. (2012). Salt Marsh as a Coastal Filter for the Oceans: Changes in Function with Experimental Increases in Nitrogen Loading and Sea-Level Rise. PLOS One.

67 Ford, H., Garbutt, A., Ladd, C., Malarkey, J., and Skov, M. (2016) Soil stabilization linked to plant diversity and environmental context in coastal wetlands. Journal of Vegetation Science, Volume 27, Issue 2, p.259-268.

68 Seafish (2024). Ecosystem Services of Commercially Important Bivalves in the UK: Nutrient removal services [online] Available at: Ecosystem Services of Commercially Important Bivalves in the UK: Nutrient removal services — Seafish (accessed 12/06/2025)

69 Hutchins, M., Qu, Y., Seifert-Dähnn, I., Levin, G. (2024). Comparing likely effectiveness of urban Nature-based Solutions worldwide: The example of riparian tree planting and water quality. Journal of Environmental Management. Volume 351, 119950

70 Hale, R., Reich, P., Daniel, T., Lake, P., Cavagnaro, T. (2018). Assessing changes in structural vegetation and soil properties following riparian restoration. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. Volume 252, Pages 22-29.

71 Preston et al. (2021). Monitoring European Native Oyster Restoration Projects: An introduction. In: European Native Oyster Habitat Restoration Monitoring Handbook (eds. zu Ermgassen, P.S.E., Bos, O., Debney, A., Gamble, C., Glover, A., Pogoda, B., Pouvreau, S., Sanderson, W., Smyth, D. and Preston, J). The Zoological Society of London, UK., London, UK.

72 Scottish Blue Carbon Forum (2022). Blue Carbon International Policy Challenge [online] Available at: Blue Carbon Homepage | Scotland | Scottish Blue Carbon Forum (accessed 30/05/2025)

73 Juliette Jacquemont, Robert Blasiak, Chloé Le Cam, Maël Le Gouellec, Joachim Claudet, Ocean conservation boosts climate change mitigation and adaptation, One Earth, Volume 5, Issue 10, (2022), Pages 1126-1138, ISSN 2590-3322,

74 Cunningham, C. and Hunt, C. (2023). Scottish Blue Carbon - a literature review of the current evidence for Scotland’s blue carbon habitats. NatureScot Research Report 1326 [online] Available at: Scottish Blue Carbon - a literature review of the current evidence for Scotland’s blue carbon habitats | NatureScot (accessed 12/06/2025)

75 Scottish Blue Carbon Forum (2022). Blue Carbon International Policy Challenge [online] Available at: Blue Carbon Homepage | Scotland | Scottish Blue Carbon Forum (accessed 30/05/2025)

76 Epstein, G., Middelburg, J. J., Hawkins, J. P., Norris, C. R., and Roberts, C. M (2022). The impact of mobile demersal fishing on carbon storage in seabed sediments. Global Change Biology, 28, 2875–2894.

77 WWF (2020) A Nature Recovery Plan: 11 transformative actions for nature in Scotland [online] Available at: Nature_Emergency_Report.pdf(accessed 06/06/2025)

78 Wood, L., Hooper, P., Foster, S., Bull, F. (2017). Public green spaces and positive mental health – investigating the relationship between access, quantity and types of parks and mental wellbeing. Health & Place, Volume 48, Pages 63-71

79 Alamenciak, T. (2024). Volunteer participation in Ecological Restoration: Motivations, Organizations and Conviviality. University of Waterloo.

80 Marine Conservation Society (MCS). (nd). Restoration Forth [online] Available at: Restoration Forth | Marine Conservation Society (accessed 15/05/2025)

81 Rewilding Britain (nd) White-Tailed Eagle [online] Available at: White-Tailed Eagle (accessed 06/06/2025)

82 University of St Andrews (2018). Crumbling coast: saving Scotland’s heritage [online] Available at: Crumbling coast: saving Scotland’s heritage (accessed 16/05/2025)

83 NatureScot (2022) Marine and coastal enhancement projects within Scottish inshore waters – Guidance on scoping a proposal [online] Available at: Marine and coastal enhancement projects within Scottish inshore waters - Guidance on scoping a proposal | NatureScot (accessed 20/05/2025)

84 Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Scotland (nd). From First Footing to Faeries: An Inventory of Scotland’s Living Culture [online] Available at: ICH Scotland Wiki | ICH Scotland Wiki (accessed 21/05/2025)

85 SMEEF (2024) Marine Restoration Across Scotland [online] Available at: Home - Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (accessed 22/01/2024)

86 Cunningham, C. and Hunt, C. (2023). Scottish Blue Carbon - a literature review of the current evidence for Scotland’s blue carbon habitats. NatureScot Research Report 1326 [online] Available at: Scottish Blue Carbon - a literature review of the current evidence for Scotland’s blue carbon habitats | NatureScot (accessed 12/06/2025)

87 Epstein, G., Middelburg, J. J., Hawkins, J. P., Norris, C. R., and Roberts, C. M (2022). The impact of mobile demersal fishing on carbon storage in seabed sediments. Global Change Biology, 28, 2875–2894.

88 Cunningham, C. and Hunt, C. (2023). Scottish Blue Carbon - a literature review of the current evidence for Scotland’s blue carbon habitats. NatureScot Research Report 1326 [online] Available at: Scottish Blue Carbon - a literature review of the current evidence for Scotland’s blue carbon habitats | NatureScot (accessed 12/06/2025)

89 Elliott, S. (2003). Case study 48. Nigg Bay Coastal Realignment Project [online] Available at: Nigg Bag Coastal Realignment Project (accessed 02/05/2025)

90 Vuik, V., Borsje, B., Willemsen, P., Jonkman, S. (2019) Salt marshes for flood risk reduction; Quantifying long-term effectiveness and life-cycle costs. Ocean & Coastal Management, Volume 171, Pages 96-110.

91 Harrison, J. (2019). Briefing No. 4 - Legal Tools for the Management of Marine Protected Areas in Scotland. Save our Seas – Law Policy Briefs Series. Edinburgh Law School [online] Available at: Briefing No. 4 (Accessed 02/06/2025)

92 Scottish Government (2025). SEA screening determinations. Marine and coastal restoration plan [online] Available at: Marine and coastal restoration plan - SEA screening determinations - gov.scot (accessed 13/05/2025)

93 Scottish Government (2019). SEA of Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report [online] Available at: SEA of Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

94 Scottish Government (2023). National Marine Plan 2: Strategic Environmental Assessment Report [online] Available at: Supporting documents - National Marine Plan 2 - strategic environmental assessment: scoping report - gov.scot (accessed 22/05/2025)

95 Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (2015) Guidance: Strategic environmental assessment and sustainability appraisal [online] Available at: Strategic environmental assessment and sustainability appraisal - GOV.UK (accessed 22/05/2025)

96 UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 [online] Available at: UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 (accessed 30/05/2025)

97 Scottish Government (2023). Scotland's guiding principles on the environment: Statutory guidance [online]. Available at: Environment - guiding principles: statutory guidance - gov.scot [accessed 22/07/2025]

98 Although Soil, Water and Climatic Factors have been assessed under ‘Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna’, relevant policies relating to each are presented under their own headings for ease of reading.

99 OSPAR Commission (2017). OSPAR Convention [online] Available at: Convention | OSPAR Commission (accessed 24/04/2025)

100 European Commission (2017). Our Oceans, Seas and Coasts [online] Available at: Our Oceans, Seas and Coasts (accessed 24/04/2025)

101 JNCC (2013). The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (the OSPAR Convention) [online] Available at: OSPAR Convention | JNCC - Adviser to Government on Nature Conservation (accessed 24/04/2025)

102 UKMMAS (2021). Introduction to UK Marine Strategy [online] Available at: Introduction to UK Marine Strategy (accessed 24/04/2025)

103 Defra (2025). Marine Strategy Part One: UK Updated assessment and Good Environmental Status [online] Available at: Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status Consultation document (accessed 26/06/2025)

104 Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, 2009/Chapter 23 [online] Available at: Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (accessed 24/04/2025)

105 Scottish Government (2017). Marine (Scotland) Act [online] Available at: Marine (Scotland) Act - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

106 Scottish Government (2015). Scotland's National Marine Plan [online] Available at: Scotland's National Marine Plan - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

107 European Commission (2014). Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning [online] Available at: Directive 2014/89/EU (accessed 24/04/2025)

108 European Commission (2017). Maritime spatial planning [online] Available at: Maritime spatial planning (accessed 24/04/2025)

109 Scottish Government (2015). Scotland's National Marine Plan [online] Available at: Scotland's National Marine Plan - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

110 Scottish Government (2025). Marine planning [online] Available at: National marine planning - Marine planning - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

111 Scottish Government (2024). Programme for Government 2024-25: Serving Scotland [online] Available at: Supporting documents - Programme for Government 2024-25: Serving Scotland - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

112 Scottish Government (2023). National Planning Framework 4 [online] Available at: Supporting documents - National Planning Framework 4 - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

113 Scottish Government (2022) A Blue Economy Vision for Scotland [online] Available at: A Blue Economy Vision for Scotland - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

114 Scottish Government (2022). Blue Economy Vision launch [online] Available at: Blue Economy Vision launch - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

115 Scottish Government (2025). Marine and fisheries grants, Blue Economy [online] Available at: Blue economy - Marine and fisheries grants - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

116 Convention on Biological Diversity (2022) The Convention on Biological Diversity [online] Available at: The Convention on Biological Diversity (accessed 24/04/2025)

117 Convention on Biological Diversity (undated). Conference of the Parties (COP) [online] Available at: Conference of the Parties (COP) (accessed 24/04/2025)

118 Convention on Biological Diversity (2024) Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework [online] Available at: A new global framework for managing nature through 2030: First detailed draft agreement debuts | Convention on Biological Diversity (accessed 24/04/2025)

119 Convention on Biological Diversity (2024) Biodiversity COP 16 [online] Available at: COP 16 in Cali: progress towards making peace with nature | Convention on Biological Diversity (accessed 24/04/2025)

120 Convention on Biological Diversity (2025) Governments agree on the way forward to mobilise the resources needed to protect biodiversity for people and planet [online] Available at: COP 16 has fulfilled its promise to the world | Convention on Biological Diversity (accessed 30/05/2025)

121 OSPAR Commission (2024). Marine Protected Areas [online] Available at: Marine Protected Areas | OSPAR Commission (accessed 24/04/2025)

122 OSPAR Commission (2024). List of Threatened and/or Declining Species & Habitats. Available at: List of Threatened and/or Declining Species & Habitats | OSPAR Commission (accessed 24/04/2025)

123 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora [online] Available at: Directive - 92/43 - EN - Habitats Directive - EUR-Lex (accessed 24/04/2025)

124 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds [online] Available at: Directive - 2009/147 - EN - Birds Directive - EUR-Lex (accessed 24/04/2025)

125 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habitats) Regulations 2001 are collectively known as the Habitats Regulations

126 The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 [online] Available at: The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (accessed 24/04/2025)

127 Scottish Government (2020). EU Exit: habitats regulations in Scotland [online] Available at: Amendments to the Habitats Regulations - EU Exit: habitats regulations in Scotland - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

128 JNCC (2022) UK Protected Areas [online] Available at: UK Protected Areas | JNCC - Adviser to Government on Nature Conservation (accessed 24/04/2025)

129 NatureScot (2023). Sites of Special Scientific Interest [online] Available at: Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) | NatureScot (accessed 24/04/2025)

130 Scottish Government (2020). EU Exit: marine environmental legislation in Scotland. Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 [online] Available at: Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 - EU Exit: marine environmental legislation in Scotland - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

131 Scottish Government (2020). EU Exit: marine environmental legislation in Scotland. Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 [online] Available at: Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 - EU Exit: marine environmental legislation in Scotland - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

132 Scottish Government (2013). 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity: A Strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland [online] Available at: 2020 Challenge for Scotland's Biodiversity - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

133 Convention on Biological Diversity (2010). Aichi Biodiversity Targets [online] Available at: Aichi Biodiversity Targets (accessed 24/04/2025)

134 European Commission (2011). European Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 [online] Available at: EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy — European Environment Agency (accessed 24/04/2025)

135 Scottish Government (2004). Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy: It’s in Your Hands – A strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland [online] Available at: Scotland's biodiversity: it's in your hands - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

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137 Scottish Government (2020). Scottish biodiversity strategy post-2020: statement of intent [online] Available at: Scottish biodiversity strategy post-2020: statement of intent - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

138 Scottish Government (2024). Biodiversity strategy: consultation. Available at: Biodiversity Strategy: Consultation (accessed 24/04/2025)

139 Scottish Government (2024). Biodiversity strategy to 2045. Available at: Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

140 NatureScot (nd). Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund (NRF). Available at: Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund (accessed 24/04/2025).

141 Scottish Government (2024). Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) [online] Available at: Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) - Site Proposal Document - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

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145 Marine Directorate (2021). UK dolphin and porpoise conservation strategy: high level strategy. [online] Available at: Supporting documents - UK dolphin and porpoise conservation strategy: high level strategy - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

146 DEFRA, DAERA, The Scottish Government and Welsh Government (2022). Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS) [online] Available at: Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS) - GOV.UK (accessed 24/04/2025)

147 Scottish Government (2020) Future fisheries: management strategy - 2020 to 2030 [online] Available at: Supporting documents - Future fisheries: management strategy - 2020 to 2030 - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

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149 Scottish Parliament (2003). Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003 [online] Available at: Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003 (accessed 24/04/2025)

150 Scottish Government (2022). Scottish wild salmon strategy [online] Available at: Supporting documents - Scottish wild salmon strategy - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

151 European Commission (2014). Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning [online] Available at: Directive - 2014/89 - EN - EUR-Lex (accessed 24/04/2025)

152 Scottish Government (2018). Scottish Coastal Forum (SCF) [online] Available at: Scottish Coastal Forum (SCF) - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

153 Scottish Government (2009). The Scottish Soil Framework [online] Available at: Contents - The Scottish Soil Framework - gov.scot (accessed 24/04/2025)

154 JNCC (2019). Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas [online] Available at: Nature Conservation MPAs | JNCC - Adviser to Government on Nature Conservation (accessed 24/04/2025)

155 Defra (2025). Marine Strategy Part One: UK Updated assessment and Good Environmental Status [online] Available at: Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status Consultation document (accessed 26/06/2025)

156 Defra (2025). Marine Strategy Part One: UK Updated assessment and Good Environmental Status [online] Available at: Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status Consultation document (accessed 26/06/2025)

157 MARPOL (2017). International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) [online] Available at: International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) (accessed 24/04/2025)

158 European Commission (2000). Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy [online] Available at: Directive - 2000/60 - EN - Water Framework Directive - EUR-Lex (accessed 24/04/2025)

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