Marine environment: Brexit update

The UK will be leaving the EU on 31 January. However during the Implementation Period (due to last until 31 December 2020), EU legislation relevant to the marine environment will continue to apply.

This means there is no change in the legal status and protection of European marine sites and European offshore marine sites (including Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas), and the requirements to undertake Habitats Regulations Appraisals (HRAs) to assess the implications of plans or projects for these sites remain unchanged. Additionally, any current fisheries management measures in place within European sites remain in force.

The legal status of and offences related to European protected species and wild birds listed in the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives are also unchanged. If you want to undertake activities that may affect a European protected species you will still need to apply for a European protected species licence, and comply with any conditions associated with a licence that has been granted.

Those wishing for further information should refer to the relevant legislation (the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994; the Conservation of Offshore Habitats and Species Regulations 2017; and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) or contact

ms.marinelicensing@gov.scot

or marine_conservation@gov.scot.