Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan: strategic environmental assessment post-adoption statement

5 How the Opinions Expressed Have Been Taken into Account

5.1.1 The Scottish Government held a consultation on the proposal from 29 July to 19 October 2025^[13]. To seek stakeholders’ views on the Plan and how it could be implemented, views were invited across 15 open and 17 closed questions (see Appendix B for full details). A consultation analysis report was published on 12 December 2025^[14].

5.1.2 In total, 88 respondents provided responses to the consultation, representing 27 individuals and 61 organisations. The respondent categories comprised: Individuals; Nature conservation; Restoration; Government/public sector body (including Local Authorities); Fisheries; Aquaculture; (Renewable) energy; Community group/climate interest; and ‘Other’.

5.1.3 Overall, there was broad support for the Plan and the inclusion of each of the Plan’s actions. The only action that fewer than half of respondents felt should be included in the Plan was “Explore the potential for a prize for restoration innovation” (28% ‘include in this plan’).

5.1.4 Several respondents welcomed or emphasised points in 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. Key issues repeatedly noted by respondents included the Plan’s commitment to open communication, early and open engagement with all marine users, community involvement, collaboration and knowledge sharing, 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.

5.1.5 In contrast, 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.

5.1.6 The consultation responses generated a large volume of constructive feedback which will be further considered by the Scottish Government as actions within the Plan are implemented. This includes feedback provided on the Environmental Report, which raised issues which may need to be considered further as individual actions are implemented. Based on the feedback provided, the Scottish Government has not removed or significantly amended the existing objectives and actions which were proposed in the draft Plan. However, based on consultation responses, and building on previous engagement with stakeholders, one additional action has been included under Theme 1 (Restoration opportunities and priorities); to work with nature conservation advisors to identify potential opportunities for active restoration in areas where measures to manage pressures are in place^[15].