Marine and coastal restoration plan: consultation analysis report

Executive Summary

A public consultation on the marine and coastal restoration plan ran from 29 July to 19 October 2025. An Environmental Report and Partial Business and Regulatory Impact Report were also prepared for the consultation. In total, 88 consultation responses were received from 27 individuals and 61 organisations. In addition, the Scottish Government hosted 14 in-person information events across Scotland.

Overall, there was broad support for the plan and its contents. Across the consultation questions, respondents provided a range of suggestions for the Scottish Government to consider, highlighting issues they feel need to be addressed either in the plan or during its implementation.

Among those answering, 64% felt it would support the acceleration of restoration on Scottish coasts and waters, and 68% agreed with the plan's content. At least half of all respondent types responded positively to these questions, except for nature conservation organisations.

The draft plan is structured into five themes. Each theme has objectives, which in turn are underpinned by actions the Scottish Government plans to take to deliver the objectives. Of the 17 objectives in the plan, 16 were considered important to some extent by at least two thirds of those answering, and 12 were rated as ‘very important’ by more than half.

Between 67% and 87% of those answering felt that 33 of the 38 actions should be included in this plan, while 62% supported including four of the remaining actions. The only action that fewer than half of respondents felt should be included in this plan was “Explore the potential for a prize for restoration innovation” (28%).

In open comments, several respondents welcomed or emphasised aspects of the plan that they felt were particularly important, or highlighted factors they felt needed greater consideration for the plan to be effective in accelerating active restoration. Respondents highlighted the importance of open communication, early and transparent engagement with marine users, community involvement, collaboration, and supporting projects to navigate existing regulations. While there was broad support for place-based approaches, respondents noted the need for flexibility to tailor restoration activities, ensure inclusive participation, and consider additional challenges faced by remote or island communities.

Two critical themes were raised by a minority of respondents, particularly nature conservation and restoration organisations. While the plan’s focus on active restoration was acknowledged by some, several respondents felt that the lack of consideration for passive restoration was a serious omission and believed this would ultimately mean the plan is unsuccessful or has little impact. Other respondents expressed the view that the plan lacks urgency, ambition, and actionable details, particularly regarding the undertaking of large-scale restoration and simplifying regulations. These and other respondents also called for the plan to include clearer links to other strategies.