Offshore wind - strategic compensation policy: strategic environmental assessment

Footnotes

1 European Commission (2021). Horizon, The EU Research, and Innovation Magazine [online] Available at: Climate change and biodiversity loss should be tackled together | Horizon Magazine (accessed 06/03/2025)

2 Scottish Government (2024). Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 [online] Available at: Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

3 Scottish Government (2020). Securing a green recovery on a path to net zero: climate change plan 2018–2032 – update [online] Available at: Securing a green recovery on a path to net zero: climate change plan 2018–2032 – update | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

4 Scottish Government (2024). National Planning Framework 4 [online] Available at: National Planning Framework 4 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

5 Scottish Government (2025). Offshore wind energy - draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan 2025: consultation [online] Available at: Offshore wind energy - draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan 2025: consultation - gov.scot (accessed 19/06/2025)

6 As defined under section 290 of the Energy Act, and section 731 of the explanatory notes of the Energy Act [online] Available at: Energy Act 2023 Explanatory Notes (accessed 06/03/2025)

7 Scottish Government (2020). Marine Scotland Assessment. Pelagic habitats [online] Available at: Marine Scotland Assessment. Pelagic Habitats | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

8 Scottish Government (2011). Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan [online] Available at: Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

9 NatureScot (2023). National Scenic Areas. [online] available at National Scenic Areas | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

10 European Commission (2021). Horizon, The EU Research, and Innovation Magazine [online] Available at: Horizon, The EU Research, and Innovation Magazine | European Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

11 Scottish Government (2024). Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 [online] Available at: Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

12 Scottish Government (2020). Securing a green recovery on a path to net zero: climate change plan 2018–2032 – update [online] Available at: Securing a green recovery on a path to net zero: climate change plan 2018–2032 – update | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

13 Scottish Government (2024). National Planning Framework 4 [online] Available at: National Planning Framework 4 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

14 Scottish Government (2020). Offshore wind policy statement [online] Available at: Offshore wind policy statement | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

15 Scottish Government (2020). Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy [online] Available at: Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

16 Crown Estate Scotland (2022). Three ScotWind Clearing project agreements confirmed [online] Available at: Three ScotWind Clearing project agreements confirmed | The Crown Estate Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

17 Crown Estate Scotland (2023). INTOG: 13 projects selected to support green innovation and help decarbonise North Sea [online] Available at: INTOG: 13 projects selected to support green innovation and help decarbonise North Sea | The Crown Estate Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

18 Scottish Government (2025). Offshore wind energy - draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan 2025: consultation [online] Available at: Offshore wind energy - draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan 2025: consultation - gov.scot (accessed 19/06/2025)

19 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)

20 Scottish Government (2024). Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 [online] Available at: Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

21 Scottish Government (2024). Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 [online] Available at: Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

22 UK Government (2019). 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 | UK Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

23 Scottish Government (2020). Scotland's Marine Assessment 2020 [online] Available at: Scotland's Marine Assessment 2020 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

24 In Scotland, the Habitats Directive is translated into specific legal obligations by the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994.

25 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) [online] Available at The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 | gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

26 The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (2017). [online] Available at The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 | Gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

27 Energy Act 2023 [online] Available at: Energy Act 2023 (accessed 06/03/2025)

28 Energy Act 2023 Energy Act 2023 [online] Available at: Energy Act 2023 (accessed 06/03/2025)

29 Energy Act 2023, Explanatory Notes, Section 291, P.103 [online] Available at: Energy Act 2023, Explanatory Notes, Section 291, P.103 (accessed 06/03/2025)

30 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, asp 15 [online] Available at: The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, asp 15 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed: 08/01/2025).

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

32 UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 [online] Available at: UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

33 As defined under section 290 of the Energy Act, and section 731 of the explanatory notes of the Energy Act [online] Available at: Energy Act 2023 Explanatory Notes (accessed 06/03/2025)

34 The Energy Act (2023). [online] Available at: The Energy Act (2023) (accessed 06/03/2025)

35 The Energy Act (2023). section 291: Strategic compensation for adverse environmental effects [online] Available at: The Energy Act (2023), section 291: Strategic compensation for adverse environmental effects (accessed 06/03/2025)

36 The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 [online] Available at: The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 , and The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 [online] Available at: Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (accessed 06/03/2025)

37 The Marine Scotland Act (2010). [online] Available at: The Marine Scotland Act (2010) | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

38 The Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009). [online] Available at: The Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

39 The Marine Scotland Act (2010). [online] Available at: The Marine Scotland Act (2010) | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

40 The Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009). [online] Available at: The Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

41 Scottish Government (2020). Sectoral marine plan for offshore wind energy [online] Available at: Sectoral marine plan for offshore wind energy | Scottish Government (accessed 08/01/2024)

42 Scottish Government (2020). Marine Scotland Consenting and Licensing Guidance For Offshore Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy Applications [online] Available at: Marine Scotland Consenting and Licensing Guidance For Offshore Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy Applications | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

43 NESO (2022). Pathway to 2030: Holistic Network Design [online] Available at: Pathway to 2030: Holistic Network Design | NESO (accessed 06/03/2025)

44 NESO (2024). Beyond 2030: A national blueprint for a decarbonised electricity system in Great Britain [online] Available at: Beyond 2030: A national blueprint for a decarbonised electricity system in Great Britain | NESO (accessed 06/03/2025)

45 Scottish Government (2015). Scotland’s National Marine Plan [online] Available at: Scotland’s National Marine Plan | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

46 Scottish Government (2024) National Marine Plan 2: stakeholder engagement strategy and statement of public participation [online] Available at: National Marine Plan 2: stakeholder engagement strategy and statement of public participation - gov.scot (accessed 13/05/2025)

47 Scottish Government (2024) National Marine Plan 2: Planning Position Statement [online]. Available at: National Marine Plan 2 - planning position statement: consultation - gov.scot (accessed 12/03/2025).

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

49 OSPAR Commission (2017). OSPAR Convention [online] Available at: OSPAR Convention | OSPAR Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

50 OSPAR Commission (2017). OSPAR Convention [online] Available at: OSPAR Convention | OSPAR Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

51 European Commission (2017). Our Oceans, Seas and Coasts [online] Available at: Our Oceans, Seas and Coasts | European Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

52 JNCC (2013). The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (the OSPAR Convention) [online] Available at: The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (the OSPAR Convention) | JNCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

53 UKMMAS (2021). Introduction to UK Marine Strategy [online] Available at: Introduction to UK Marine Strategy | UKMMAS (accessed 06/03/2025)

54 Defra (2019). 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 | Defra (accessed 06/03/2025)

55 Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, 2009/Chapter 23 [online] Available at: Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, 2009/Chapter 23 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

56 Scottish Government (2017). Marine (Scotland) Act [online] Available at: Marine (Scotland) Act | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

57 Scottish Government (2015). Scotland's National Marine Plan [online] Available at: Scotland's National Marine Plan | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

58 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 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning | European Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

59 European Commission (2017). Maritime spatial planning [online] Available at: Maritime spatial planning | European Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

60 Scottish Government (2015). Scotland's National Marine Plan [online] Available at: Scotland's National Marine Plan | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

61 Scottish Government (2025). Marine planning [online] Available at: Marine planning | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

62 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 06/03/2025)

63 Scottish Government (2015). Scotland's National Marine Plan [online] Available at: Scotland's National Marine Plan | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

64 Scottish Government (2015). Scotland's National Marine Plan [online] Available at: Scotland's National Marine Plan | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

65 Scottish Government (2019). Offshore wind energy: draft sectoral marine plan [online] Available at: 1. Introduction - Offshore wind energy: draft sectoral marine plan - gov.scot (accessed 13/05/2025)

66 Scottish Government (2023). National Planning Framework 4 [online] Available at: National Planning Framework 4 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

67 Scottish Government (2022). Blue Economy Vision launch [online] Available at: Blue Economy Vision launch - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) (accessed 06/03/2025)

68 Convention on Biological Diversity (2022). The Convention on Biological Diversity [online] Available at: The Convention on Biological Diversity (accessed 06/03/2025)

69 Convention on Biological Diversity (undated). Conference of the Parties (COP) [online] Available at: Conference of the Parties (COP) | The Convention on Biological Diversity (accessed 06/03/2025)

70 Convention on Biological Diversity (undated). Conference of the Parties (COP) [online] Available at: Conference of the Parties (COP) | The Convention on Biological Diversity (accessed 06/03/2025)

71 NatureScot (2021). Countdown to COP15 [online] Available at: Countdown to COP15 | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

72 Convention on Biological Diversity (2022). A new global framework for managing nature through 2020; First detailed draft agreement debuts [online] Available at: A new global framework for managing nature through 2020; First detailed draft agreement debuts | The Convention on Biological Diversity (accessed 06/03/2025)

73 UN Environment Programme (undated) UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) [online] Available at: UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) | UN Environment Programme (accessed 06/03/2025)

74 Convention on Biological Diversity (2024). Biodiversity COP 16 [online] Available at Biodiversity COP 16 | The Convention on Biological Diversity (accessed 06/03/2025)

75 United Nations Climate Change (2024). UN Climate Change Conference Baku - November 2024 [online] Available at: UN Climate Change Conference Baku - November 2024 | United Nations Climate Change (accessed 06/03/2025)

76 OSPAR Commission (2018). Marine Protected Areas [online] Available at: Marine Protected Areas | OSPAR Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

77 OSPAR Commission (2021). North-East Atlantic Environment Strategy 2030 [online]. Available at: North-East Atlantic Environment Strategy 2030 | OSPAR Commission (accessed: 06/03/2025)

78 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora [online] Available at: Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (accessed 06/03/2025)

79 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/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (accessed 06/03/2025)

80 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

81 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 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

82 Scottish Government (2020). EU Exit: habitats regulations in Scotland [online] Available at: EU Exit: habitats regulations in Scotland | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

83 Scottish Government (2020). EU Exit: habitats regulations in Scotland [online] Available at: EU Exit: habitats regulations in Scotland | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

84 NatureScot (2021). Sites of Special Scientific Interest [online] Available at: Sites of Special Scientific Interest | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

85 Scottish Government (2020). EU Exit: marine environmental legislation in Scotland. Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 [online] Available at: EU Exit: marine environmental legislation in Scotland. Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

86 Scottish Government (2020). EU Exit: marine environmental legislation in Scotland. Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 [online] Available at: EU Exit: marine environmental legislation in Scotland. Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

87 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: A Strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

88 Convention on Biological Diversity (2010). Aichi Biodiversity Targets [online] Available at: Aichi Biodiversity Targets | Convention on Biological Diversity (accessed 06/03/2025)

89 European Commission (2011). European Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 [online] Available at: European Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 | European Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

90 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 Strategy: It’s in Your Hands – A strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

91 NatureScot (2021). Scottish Biodiversity Strategy [online] Available at: Scottish Biodiversity Strategy | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

92 Scottish Government (2020). Scottish biodiversity strategy post-2020: statement of intent [online] Available at: Scottish biodiversity strategy post-2020: statement of intent | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

93 Scottish Government (2022). Biodiversity strategy: consultation [online]. Available at: Biodiversity strategy: consultation | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

94 Scottish Government (2024). Biodiversity strategy to 2045 [online]. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-biodiversity-strategy-2045-tackling-nature-emergency-scotland/(accessed 06/03/2025)

95 Marine Directorate (2024). Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan [online] Available at: Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan (accessed 13/05/2025).

96 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)

97 European Commission (2023). 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 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning | European Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

98 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 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning | European Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

99 Scottish Government (2014). Managing Scotland’s Coastline [online] Available at: Managing Scotland’s Coastline | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

100 Scottish Government (2018). Scottish Coastal Forum (SCF) [online] Available at: Scottish Coastal Forum (SCF) | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

101 Scottish Government (2009). The Scottish Soil Framework [online] Available at: The Scottish Soil Framework | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

102 Scottish Government (2009). The Scottish Soil Framework [online] Available at: The Scottish Soil Framework | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

103 JNCC (2019). Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas [online] Available at: Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas | JNCC (Accessed 06/03/2025)

104 UKMMAS (2018). Introduction to UK Marine Strategy [online] Available at: Introduction to UK Marine Strategy | UKMMAS (accessed 06/03/2025)

105 Defra (2019). Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status October 2019 [online] Available at: Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status October 2019 | Defra (accessed 06/03/2025)

106 Scottish Government (2009). The Scottish Soil Framework [online] Available at: The Scottish Soil Framework | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

107 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 06/03/2025)

108 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/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 | European Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

109 Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003, asp 3 [online] Available at: Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003, asp 3 (Accessed 06/03/2025)

110 SEPA (2016). River Basin Management Planning [online] Available at: River Basin Management Planning | SEPA (accessed 06/03/2025)

111 The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011, SSI No. 206 [online] Available at: The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011, SSI No. 206 (accessed 06/03/2025)

112 The Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012, SSI No. 306 [online] Available at: The Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012, SSI No. 306 (Accessed 06/03/2025)

113 UKMMAS (2021). Introduction to UK Marine Strategy [online] Available at: Introduction to UK Marine Strategy | UKMMAS (accessed 06/03/2025)

114 Defra (2019). Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status October 2019 [online] Available at: Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status October 2019| Defra (accessed 06/03/2025)

115 European Environment Agency (2007). Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the assessment and management of flood risks [online] Available at: Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the assessment and management of flood risks | European Environment Agency (accessed 06/03/2025)

116 Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, asp 6 [online] Available at: Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, asp 6 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

117 UNFCC (2016). The Paris Agreement [online] Available at: The Paris Agreement | UNFCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

118 Climate Change Committee (2024). Climate Action [online]. Available at: Climate Action | CCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

119 Climate Change Committee (2023). 2023 Progress Report to Parliament [online]. Available at: 2023 Progress Report | CCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

120 Climate Change Committee (2019). Net Zero: The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming [online] Available at: Net Zero: The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming | CCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

121 Climate Change Committee (2020). The Sixth Carbon Budget, The UK’s path to Net Zero [online] Available at: The Sixth Carbon Budget, The UK’s path to Net Zero | CCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

122 UK Legislation (2019). Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 [online] Available at: Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

123 Scottish Government (2021). Climate Change: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions [online] Available at: Climate Change: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

124 Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2024 [online] Available at: Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2024 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

125 Scottish Government (2020). Securing a green recovery on a path to net zero: climate change plan 2018–2032 – update [online] Available at: Securing a green recovery on a path to net zero: climate change plan 2018–2032 – update | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

126 BEIS (2022). Major acceleration of homegrown power in Britain’s plan for greater energy independence [online] Available at: Major acceleration of homegrown power in Britain’s plan for greater energy independence | BEIS (accessed 06/03/2025)

127 UK Government (2024). Clean Power 2030 Action Plan: A new era of clean electricity [online] Available at: Clean Power 2030 Action Plan: A new era of clean electricity | UK Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

128 Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, asp 5 [online] Available at: Act 2010, asp 5 | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

129 Scottish Government (2015). Scotland's National Marine Plan [online] Available at: Scotland's National Marine Plan | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

130 Scottish Government (2023). National Planning Framework 4 [online] Available at: National Planning Framework 4 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

131 Scottish Government (2019). Climate Ready Scotland: climate change adaptation programme 2019-2024 [online] Available at: Climate Ready Scotland: climate change adaptation programme 2019-2024 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

132 Scottish Government (2024). Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 [online] Available at: Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

133 UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021 (undated) COP26 [online] Available at: COP26 | UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021 (accessed 06/03/2025)

134 UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021 (undated) COP26: The Glasgow Climate Pact [online] Available at: COP26: The Glasgow Climate Pact | UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021 (accessed 06/03/2025)

135 United Nations Climate Change (2024) UN Climate Change Conference Baku - November 2024 [online] Available at: UN Climate Change Conference Baku - November 2024 | UNCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

136 Climate Change Committee (2024) COP29: Key outcomes and next steps for the UK [online] Available at: (accessed 06/03/2025)

137 UNESCO (2001). Text of the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage [online] Available at: Text of the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage | UNESCO (accessed 06/03/2025)

138 The Crown Estate (2006). Maritime Cultural Heritage & Seabed Development - JNAPC Code of Practice for Seabed Development – Joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee [online] Available at: Maritime Cultural Heritage & Seabed Development - JNAPC Code of Practice for Seabed Development – Joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee | The Crown Estate (accessed 06/03/2025)

139 COWRIE (2007). Historic Environment Guidance for the Offshore Renewable Energy Sector [online] Available at: Historic Environment Guidance for the Offshore Renewable Energy Sector | COWRIE (accessed 06/03/2025)

140 Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, 1973/Chapter 33 [online] Available at: Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, 1973/Chapter 33 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

141 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, 1979/Chapter 46 [online] Available at: Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, 1979/Chapter 46 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

142 Historic Environment (Amendment) (Scotland) Act (2011), asp 3 [online] Available at: Historic Environment (Amendment) (Scotland) Act (2011), asp 3 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

143 Scottish Government (2014). Our Place in Time – The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland [online] Available at: Our Place in Time – The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

144 Scottish Government (2014). Our Place in Time – The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland [online] Available at: Our Place in Time – The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

145 Historic Environment Scotland (2023). Our Past, our Future, The Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment [online] Available at: Our Past, our Future, The Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment | Historic Environment Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

146 Historic Environment Scotland (2024). Our Past, Our Future - Annual Report 2023-24 [online] Available at: Our Past, Our Future - Annual Report 2023-24 | Historic Environment Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

147 Historic Environment Scotland (2019). Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS) [online] Available at: Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS) | Historic Environment Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

148 Scottish Government (2023). National Planning Framework 4 [online] Available at: National Planning Framework 4 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

149 European Landscape Convention (2000). Text of the ELC [online] Available at: Text of the ELC | European Landscape Convention (accessed 06/03/2025)

150 Scottish Government (2023). National Planning Framework 4 [online] Available at: National Planning Framework 4 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

151 NatureScot (2017). NatureScot Landscape Policy Framework [online] Available at: NatureScot Landscape Policy Framework | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

152 Scottish Government (2023). National Planning Framework 4 [online] Available at: National Planning Framework 4 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

153 NatureScot (2014). Siting and Designing Wind Farms in the Landscape – Version 2 [online] Available at: Siting and Designing Wind Farms in the Landscape – Version 2 | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

154 NatureScot (2012). Offshore Renewables – guidance on assessing the impact on coastal landscape and seascape [online] Available at: Offshore Renewables – guidance on assessing the impact on coastal landscape and seascape | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

155 As defined under section 290 of the Energy Act, and section 731 of the explanatory notes of the Energy Act [online] Available at: Energy Act 2023 Explanatory Notes (accessed 06/03/2025)

156 Scottish Government (2020). Sectoral marine plan for offshore wind energy [online] Available at:

Sectoral marine plan for offshore wind energy | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

157 Scottish Government (2022). Sectoral marine plan - offshore wind for innovation and targeted oil and gas decarbonisation: initial plan framework [online] Available at: Sectoral marine plan - offshore wind for innovation and targeted oil and gas decarbonisation: initial plan framework | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

158 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) [online] Available at The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 | gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

159 The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (2017). [online] Available at The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 | Gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

160 Marine and Coastal Access Act (209), section 123 [online] Available at: Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (accessed 13/05/2025)

161 Marine Scotland Act (2010), section 79 [online] Available at: Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (accessed 13/05/2025)

162 Marine and Coastal Access Act (209), section 123 [online] Available at: Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (accessed 13/05/2025)

163 Marine Scotland Act (2010), section 79 [online] Available at: Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (accessed 13/05/2025)

164 The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, Schedule 2 [online] Available at: The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, Schedule 2 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025).

165 The Water Framework Directive [online] Available at: The Water Framework Directive | EUR-Lex (accessed 06/03/2025)

166 The Marine Strategy Regulations 2010 [online] Available at: The Marine Strategy Regulations 2010 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

167 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)

168 Scottish Government (2023). Marine Renewable Energy [online] Available at: Marine Renewable Energy | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

169 TCE (2023). 2021, JNCC, Offshore Wind Evidence and Change Programme [online] Available at: 2021, JNCC, Offshore Wind Evidence and Change Programme | TCE (Accessed 06/03/2025)

170 OWIC (2023). Offshore Wind Industry Council [online] Available at: Offshore Wind Industry Council (accessed 06/03/2025)

171 ORE Catapult (2023). The UK’s leading Technology Innovation and Research Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy [online] Available at: The UK’s leading Technology Innovation and Research Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy | ORE Catapult (accessed 06/03/2025)

172 Carbon Trust (2023). Turn your climate ambition into impact [online] Available at: Turn your climate ambition into impact | Carbon Trust (accessed 06/03/2025)

173 ORJIP (2023). Offshore Renewables Joint Industry Programme [online] Available at: Offshore Renewables Joint Industry Programme | ORJIP (accessed 06/03/2025)

174 OESEA (2023). Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): An overview of the SEA process – Offshore Energy SEA: research programme [online] Available at: Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): An overview of the SEA process – Offshore Energy SEA: research programme | OESEA (accessed 06/03/2025)

175 This would include coastal cultural and historical heritage where a pathway of effect is identified.

176 Scottish Government (2013). Planning Scotland’s Seas: 2013 – Possible Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas Consultation Overview – Strategic Environmental Assessment Report [online] Available at: Planning Scotland’s Seas: 2013 – Possible Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas Consultation Overview – Strategic Environmental Assessment Report | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

177 Scottish Government (2014). 2014 Consultation on the Management of Inshore Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Protected Areas Overview [online] Available at: 2014 Consultation on the Management of Inshore Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Protected Areas Overview | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

178 Scottish Government (2018). SEA of Marine Proposed Special Protection Areas Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report. Available at: SEA of Marine Proposed Special Protection Areas Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

179 Marine Scotland (2019). Sustainability Environmental Assessment of proposed Marine Protected Areas Sustainability Appraisal [online] Available at: Sustainability Environmental Assessment of proposed Marine Protected Areas Sustainability Appraisal | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

180 Marine Scotland (2019). Proposed Deep Sea Marine Reserve Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report [online] Available at: Proposed Deep Sea Marine Reserve Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

181 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 Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening and Scoping Report | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

182 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: Planning Scotland’s Seas: Draft Sectoral Marine Plans for Offshore Renewable Energy in Scottish Waters – Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report and Appendix A | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

183 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)

184 Scottish Government (2022). Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind for Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas Decarbonisation (INTOG) Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening and Scoping Report September 2022 [online] Available at: Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind for Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas Decarbonisation (INTOG) Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening and Scoping Report September 2022 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

185 Scottish Government (2023). National Marine Plan 2 - strategic environmental assessment: scoping report [online] Available at: National Marine Plan 2 - strategic environmental assessment: scoping report | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

186 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 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

187 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)

188 Scottish Government (2024). Consultation: Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation [online] Available at: Consultation: Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

189 Scottish Government (2024). Strategic Biodiversity Framework Delivery Plan 2024–2030 [online] Available at: Strategic Biodiversity Framework Delivery Plan 2024–2030 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

190 Offshore Wind Industry Council (2023). The Crown Estate and Offshore Wind Industry Council launch £3.5m project to test effectiveness of strategic environmental compensation measures around offshore wind developments [online] Available at: The Crown Estate and Offshore Wind Industry Council launch £3.5m project to test effectiveness of strategic environmental compensation measures around offshore wind developments | Offshore Wind Industry Council (accessed 06/03/2025)

191 Green Volt Offshore Ornithology Compensation Report (2023). [online] Available at: Green Volt Offshore Ornithology Compensation Report | marine.gov.scot (accessed 06/03/2025)

192 Crown Estate Offshore Wind Leasing Round 4 Kittiwake Strategic Compensation Plan [online] Available at: Crown Estate Offshore Wind Leasing Round 4 Kittiwake Strategic Compensation Plan | Crown Estate (accessed 06/03/2025)

193 Pizzolla, et al., (2024). Development of Ornithology Regional Compensation Measures [online] Available at: Development of Ornithology Regional Compensation Measures | Marram Wind (accessed 06/03/2025)

194 Scottish Government (2024). Seabirds: strategic ornithological compensatory measures: review [online] Available at: Supporting documents - Seabirds: strategic ornithological compensatory measures: review - gov.scot (accessed 13/05/2025)

195 Natural England (2022). Assessment of compensatory measures for impacts of offshore windfarms on seabirds [online] Available at: Assessment of compensatory measures for impacts of offshore windfarms on seabirds | Natural England (accessed 06/03/2025)

196 ECOWind (2025). ECOWINGS [online] Available at: ECOWINGS | ECOwind (Accessed 06/03/2025)

197 SMEEF (2024). Marine Restoration Across Scotland [online] Available at: Marine Restoration Across Scotland | SMEEF (accessed 06/03/2025)

198 Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (2023). Nature Enhancement at Marine Offshore Energy Sites / ‘NEMOES’ [online] Available at: Nature Enhancement at Marine Offshore Energy Sites / ‘NEMOES’ | Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (accessed 06/03/2025)

199 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. (3) Interpretation [online] Available at: The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (accessed 13/05/2025)

200 Lexology (2022). Judicial Guidance on the Term “Have Regard To” [online] Available at: Judicial Guidance on the Term “Have Regard To” | LEXOLOGY (accessed 06/03/2025)

201 Chaniotis et al., (2018). Developing an ecologically-coherent and well-managed Marine Protected Area network in the United Kingdom: 10 years of reflection form the Joint Nature Conservation Committee [online] Available at: Developing an ecologically-coherent and well-managed Marine Protected Area network in the United Kingdom: 10 years of reflection form the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (accessed 06/03/2025)

202 Scottish Government (2024). Marine Protected Area network: 2024 report to the Scottish Parliament [online] Available at: Marine Protected Area network: 2024 report to the Scottish Parliament | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

203 Defra (2019). Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status.

October 2019 [online] Available at: Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status | Defra (accessed 06/03/2025)

204 Bird Guides (2024). First kittiwake hatches at artificial nesting platform [online] Available at: First kittiwake hatches at artificial nesting platform | Bird Guides (accessed 06/03/2025)

205 Defra (2019). Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status.

October 2019 [online] Available at: Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status | Defra (accessed 06/03/2025)

206 Energy Act (2023). S291(3) [online] Available at: S291 | Energy Act (accessed 06/03/2025)

207 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)

208 Scottish Government (2023). National Marine Plan 2: Strategic Environmental Assessment Report [online] Available at: National Marine Plan 2: Strategic Environmental Assessment Report | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

209 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)

210 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: Guidance: Strategic environmental assessment and sustainability appraisal | gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

211 UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 [online] Available at: Guidance: Strategic environmental assessment and sustainability appraisal | gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

212 Scottish Government (2021). Guiding principles on the environment: draft statutory guidance [online] Available at: Guiding principles on the environment: draft statutory guidance | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

213 Scottish Government (2020). Marine Scotland Assessment. Healthy and biologically diverse [online] Available at: Marine Scotland Assessment. Healthy and biologically diverse | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

214 Scotland environment (2023). Scotland’s seas, key messages [online] Available at: Scotland’s seas, key messages | Scotland Environment (accessed 06/03/2025)

215 NatureScot (2023). Feature Activity Sensitivity Tool (FeAST) [online] Available at: Feature Activity Sensitivity Tool (FeAST) | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

216 OSPAR. (2017). Condition of Benthic Habitat Communities: Subtidal habitats of the Southern North Sea [online] Available at: Condition of Benthic Habitat Communities: Subtidal habitats of the Southern North Sea | OSPAR (accessed 06/03/2025)

217 UK Marine Monitoring and Assessment Strategy (UKMMAS) (2010). Charting Progress 2: An assessment of the state of UK seas [online] Available at: Charting Progress 2: An assessment of the state of UK seas | UKMMAS (accessed 06/03/2025)

218 JNCC (2025). UK Atlas of Seabed Habitats: Combined Map v2025.1 [online] Available at: UK Atlas of Seabed Habitats: Combined Map v2025.1 | JNCC Resource Hub (accessed 13/05/2025)

219 JNCC (2025). Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland [online] Available at: JNCC Marine Habitat Classification (accessed 13/05/2025)

220 European Environment Agency (2019). Welcome to EUNIS, the European Nature Information System [online] Available at: EUNIS -Welcome to EUNIS Database (accessed 13/05/2025)

221 Scottish Government (2011). Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan [online] Available at: Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

222 Marine Scotland (2020). Cetaceans. Marine Scotland Assessment. [online] Available at: Marine Scotland (2020) Cetaceans. Marine Scotland Assessment | Marine Scotland. (accessed 06/03/2025)

223 NatureScot (2020). Priority Marine Features in Scotland's seas – Habitats [online] Available at: Priority Marine Features in Scotland's seas – Habitats | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

224 Scottish Government (2020). Marine Scotland Assessment. Cetaceans [online] Available at: Marine Scotland Assessment. Cetaceans | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

225 Marine Scotland (2020). Cetaceans. Marine Scotland Assessment. [online] Available at: Cetaceans. Marine Scotland Assessment | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

226 Marine Scotland (2020). Seals. Marine Scotland Assessment. [online] Available at: Seals. Marine Scotland Assessment | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

227 SCOS (2022). Scientific Advice on Matters Related to the Management of Seal Populations: 2022. Available at: Scientific Advice on Matters Related to the Management of Seal Populations: 2022 | SCOS (accessed 06/03/2025)

228 SCOS (2021). Scientific Advice on Matters Related to the Management of Seal Populations: 2021 [online] Available at: Scientific Advice on Matters Related to the Management of Seal Populations: 2021 | SCOS (accessed 06/03/2025)

229 Marine Scotland (2020). Seals. Marine Scotland Assessment. [online] Available at: Seals. Marine Scotland Assessment | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

230 Duck, C.D. & Morris, C.D. (2016). Surveys of harbour and grey seals on the south-east (border to Aberlady Bay) and south-west (Sound of Jura to Solway Firth) coasts of Scotland, in Shetland, in the Moray Firth and in the Firth of Tay in August 2015. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 929. Available at: SNH Commissioned Report 929: Surveys of harbour and grey seals on the south-east (border to Aberlady Bay) and south-west (Sound of Jura to Solway Firth) coasts of Scotland, in Shetland, in the Moray Firth and in the Firth of Tay in August 2015 | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

231 Arso Civil, M., Smout, S., Thompson, D., Brownlow, A., Davison, N., Doeschate, M., Duck, C., Morris, C., Cummings, C., McConnell, B. and Hall, A. J. (2018). Harbour Seal Decline – vital rates and drivers. Report to Scottish Government HSD2. Available at: Harbour Seal Decline – vital rates and drivers. Report to Scottish Government HSD2 (accessed 06/03/2025)

232 SCOS (2022). Scientific Advice on Matters Related to the Management of Seal Populations: 2022 [online] Available at: Scientific Advice on Matters Related to the Management of Seal Populations: 2022 | SCOS (accessed 06/03/2025)

233 Morris, C.D., Duck, C.D., and Thompson, D. (2021). Aerial surveys of seals in Scotland during the Harbour seal moult, 2016-2019. NatureScot Research Report 1256.

234 O’Neil, Katie E. Cunningham, Emily G. Moore, Daniel M. (2019). Sudden seasonal occurrence of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the Firth of Forth, Scotland and first confirmed movement between high-latitude feeding grounds and United Kingdom waters- Marine Biodiversity Records- 12 - 1

235 Scottish Government (2022). Production of Seabird and Marine Mammal Distribution Models for the East of Scotland [online] Available at: Production of Seabird and Marine Mammal Distribution Models for the East of Scotland | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

236 Whaletrack. UiT (2018). In: The Arctic University of Norway; [online]. In: The Arctic University of Norway (accessed 06/03/2025)

237 Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (2019). Sightings map [online] available at Sightings map | Hebridean Whale and Dolphin (accessed 06/03/2025)

238 Jefferies, D.J., Strachan, C. & Strachan, R. 2003. Estimated numbers of the three interacting riparian mammals in Britain using survey data. In: Jefferies, D.J. (Ed) The water vole and mink survey of 1996–1998 with a history of the long-term changes in the status of both species and their causes, pp. 188–197. Vincent Wildlife Trust, Ledbury.

239 Nature Scot (2024). Otter - Scotland is a European stronghold for the otter, a species of the land, river and sea [online] Available at: Otter - Scotland is a European stronghold for the otter, a species of the land, river and sea | Nature Scot (accessed 06/03/2025)

240 Nature Scot (2024). Otter - Scotland is a European stronghold for the otter, a species of the land, river and sea [online] Available at: Otter - Scotland is a European stronghold for the otter, a species of the land, river and sea | Nature Scot (accessed 06/03/2025)

241 Scottish Government (2011). Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan. Seabirds [online] Available at: Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan. Seabirds | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

242 Scottish Government (2022). Production of Seabird and Marine Mammal Distribution Models for the East of Scotland [online] Available at: Production of Seabird and Marine Mammal Distribution Models for the East of Scotland | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

243 JNCC (2023). Seabird Monitoring [online] Available at: Seabird Monitoring | JNCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

244 Marine Scotland (2020). Seabirds. Marine Scotland Assessment. [online] Available at: Seabirds. Marine Scotland Assessment | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

245 The Wildlife Trust (2023). White Tailed Sea Eagle [online] Available at: White Tailed Sea Eagle | The Wildlife Trust (Accessed 06/03/2025)

246 Colin Moffat, John Baxter, Barbara Berx, Kirsty Bosley, Philip Boulcott, Martyn Cox, Lyndsay Cruickshank, Katie Gillham, Venetia Haynes, Ashley Roberts, David Vaughan, & Lynda Webster (Eds.). (2020). Scotland's Marine Assessment 2020. Scottish Government. Seabirds. [online] Available at: Scotland's Marine Assessment 2020. Scottish Government. Seabirds | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

247 Nature Scot (2023). Scottish Biodiversity Indicator – The Numbers and Breeding Success of Seabirds (1986 to 2019) [online] Available at: Scottish Biodiversity Indicator – The Numbers and Breeding Success of Seabirds (1986 to 2019) | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

248 Nature Scot (2023). Highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) - Guidance for site managers [online] Available at: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) - Guidance for site managers | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

249 NatureScot (2023). NatureScot Scientific Advisory Committee Sub-Group on Avian Influenza Report on the H5N1 outbreak in wild birds 2020-2023 [online] Available at: NatureScot Scientific Advisory Committee Sub-Group on Avian Influenza Report on the H5N1 outbreak in wild birds 2020-2023 | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

250 NatureScot (2023). NatureScot Scientific Advisory Committee Sub-Group on Avian Influenza Report on the H5N1 outbreak in wild birds 2020-2023 [online] Available at: NatureScot Scientific Advisory Committee Sub-Group on Avian Influenza Report on the H5N1 outbreak in wild birds 2020-2023 | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

251 Argyll Bute Council (2024) Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) [online] Available at: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) | Argyll Bute Council (accessed 06/03/2025)

252 BBC (2024). Five seabirds species added to conservation red list [online] Available at: Five seabird species added to conservation 'red list' | BBC Newsround (accessed 15/11/2024)

253 Tyler-Walters, H., James, B., Carruthers, M. (eds.), Wilding, C., Durkin, O., Lacey, C., Philpott, E., Adams, L., Chaniotis, P.D., Wilkes, P.T.V., Seeley, R., Neilly, M., Dargie, J. & Crawford-Avis, O.T. (2016). Descriptions of Scottish Priority Marine Features (PMFs). Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 406. [online] available at: Descriptions of Scottish Priority Marine Features (PMFs). Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 406 | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

254 Marine Scotland (2011). Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan. Sharks and Ray [online] Available at: Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan. Sharks and Ray | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

255 Scottish Government (2023). Marine Protected Areas - Red Rocks and Longay: site information and public notifications [online] Available at: Marine Protected Areas - Red Rocks and Longay: site information and public notifications | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

256 Scottish Government (2020). Sandy Ray (Leucoraja circularis) (Priority Marine Feature) [online] Available at: Sandy Ray (Leucoraja circularis) (Priority Marine Feature) | Scotland's Marine Assessment 2020 (accessed 13/05/2025)

257 Scottish Government (2011). Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan [online] Available at: SHARKS AND RAYS - Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan - gov.scot (accessed 13/05/2025)

258 NatureScot (2024). NatureScot Research Report 1365 - Elasmobranch distributions and interactions with fisheries [online] Available at: NatureScot Research Report 1365 - Elasmobranch distributions and interactions with fisheries | NatureScot (accessed 13/05/2025)

259 NatureScot (2020). Basking shark [online] Available at: Basking shark | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

260 Booth, C.G., King, S.L. & Lacy, C., (2013). Argyll Array Wind farm basking shark draft chapter for Environmental Statement [online] Available at: Argyll Array Wind farm basking shark draft chapter for Environmental Statement (accessed 06/03/2025)

261 Gore, M.A. et al., (2016). Use of Photo-Identification and Mark-Recapture Methodology to Assess Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus) Populations. PLOS ONEPLOS ONE, 11(3), p.e0150160. Available at: Use of Photo-Identification and Mark-Recapture Methodology to Assess Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus) Populations (accessed 06/03/2025)

262 Colin Moffat, John Baxter, Barbara Berx, Kirsty Bosley, Philip Boulcott, Martyn Cox, Lyndsay Cruickshank, Katie Gillham, Venetia Haynes, Ashley Roberts, David Vaughan, & Lynda Webster (Eds.). (2020). Scotland's Marine Assessment 2020. Healthy and Biologically Diverse: Species. Salmon and sea trout. Scottish Government [online] Available at: Scotland's Marine Assessment 2020. Healthy and Biologically Diverse: Species. Salmon and sea trout | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

263 Scottish Government (2024). Publication – Statistics. The status of salmon in Scotland: 2024 [online] Available at: Publication – Statistics. The status of salmon in Scotland: 2024 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

264 Natural England (2020). Climate Change Adaptation Manual Second Edition 2020 – Atlantic salmon (Accessed 06/03/2025) [online] Available at: Climate Change Adaptation Manual Second Edition 2020 – Atlantic salmon | Natural England (accessed 06/03/2025)

265 Marine Scotland and Fisheries Management Scotland (2023). Regional and national assessment of the pressures acting on Atlantic salmon in Scotland, 2021. Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Vol 14 No 4, 23p. DOI: 10.7489/12447-1 [online] Available at: Atlantic salmon 2021: Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Vol 14 No 4 | Marine Scotland and Fisheries Management Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

266 Marine Scotland (2020). Fish. Marine Scotland Assessment. [online] Available at: Fish. Marine Scotland Assessment | Marine Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025

267 Langton, R., Boulcott, P. and Wright, P.J. (2021). A verified distribution model for the lesser sandeel Ammodytes marinus. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 667, pp. 145-159.

268 NatureScot (2023). Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) [online] Available at: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

269 Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (2024). Scotland’s seas recognised as important for marine mammals [online] Available at: Scotland’s seas recognised as important for marine mammals | Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (accessed 06/03/2025)

270 NatureScot (2024). Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) [online] Available at: Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

271 JNCC (2020). UK SACs with marine components spreadsheet [online] Available at; UK SACs with marine components spreadsheet | JNCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

272 NatureScot (2023). Special Protection Areas (SPAs) [online] Available at: Special Protection Areas (SPAs) | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

273 Scottish Government (2022). Marine Proposed Special Protection Areas. SEA Post Adoption Statement [online] Available at: Marine Proposed Special Protection Areas. SEA Post Adoption Statement | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

274 NatureScot (2024). Marine European sites [online] Available at: Marine European sites | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

275 JNCC (2019). Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas [online] Available at: Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas | JNCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

276 Brooks, A., Kenyon, N., Leslie, A., Long, D. (2011). Characterising Scotland's marine environment to define search locations for new Marine Protected Areas. Part 2: The identification of key geodiversity areas in Scottish waters. Research Gate 430.

277 Scottish Government (2022). Red Rocks and Longay Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area Order 2022: Scottish Ministerial Order. Available at: Red Rocks and Longay Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area Order 2022: Scottish Ministerial Order - gov.scot (Accessed 06/03/2025)

278 Scottish Government (2023). Marine Protected Areas - Red Rocks and Longay: site information and public notifications. Available at: Marine Protected Areas - Red Rocks and Longay: site information and public notifications - gov.scot (accessed 06/03/2025)

279 NatureScot (2023). Fair Isle MPA(DR) [online] Available at: Fair Isle MPA(DR) | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

280 NatureScot (2024). The MPA Network [online] Available at: The MPA Network | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

281 Nature Scot (2024). The MPA Network [online] The MPA Network | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025).

282 Scottish Government (2025). Ramsar sites contributing to the MPA Network [online] Available at: Ramsar sites contributing to the MPA Network | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

283 Nature Scot (2024). The MPA Network [online] Available at: The MPA Network | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

284 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

285 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 | legislation.gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

286 Scottish Government (2020). EU Exit: habitats regulations in Scotland [online] Available at: EU Exit: habitats regulations in Scotland | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

287 Council Directive 92/43/EEC (The Habitats Directive), Annex I [online] Available at: Directive - 92/43 - EN - Habitats Directive - EUR-Lex (accessed 13/05/2025)

288 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017) Schedule 2 and 5 [online] Available at: The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (accessed 13/05/2025)

289 OSPAR Commission (2025). List of Threatened and/or Declining Species & Habitats [online] Available at: List of Threatened and/or Declining Species & Habitats | OSPAR Commission (accessed 13/05/2025)

290 Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force (2024). Rockall Trought Seamonts and Banks IMMA [online] Available at: Rockall Trought Seamonts and Banks IMMA | Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force (accessed 06/03/2025)

291 Nature Scot (2024). Priority marine features in Scotland's seas [online] Available at: Priority marine features in Scotland's seas | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

292 The Scottish Government, (2015). Scotland’s National Marine Plan. A single framework for managing our seas [online] Available at: Scotland’s National Marine Plan. A single framework for managing our seas | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

293 Scottish Government. (2019). Improving protection given to Priority Marine Features outside the Marine Protected Area network. [online] Available at: Improving protection given to Priority Marine Features outside the Marine Protected Area network | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

294 Scottish Government (2019). GeMS – Scottish Priority Marine Features (PMF). Version 10 iteration 26 [online] Available at: GeMS – Scottish Priority Marine Features (PMF). Version 10 iteration 26 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025).

295 Scottish Government (2020). Marine Scotland Assessment. Pressures from activities [online] Available at: Marine Scotland Assessment. Pressures from activities | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025).

296 Searle, K. R., Waggitt, J., Evans. P., Bogdanova, M., Daunt, F. & A. Butler (2022). Study to examine the impact of climate change on seabird species off the east coast of Scotland and potential implications for environmental assessments [online] Available online: Study to examine the impact of climate change on seabird species off the east coast of Scotland and potential implications for environmental assessments | gov.scot (accessed 06/03/2025)

297 Sadykova, D., Scott, B.E., Dominicis De, M., Wakelin, S.L., Wolf, J. and Sadykov A. (2020). Ecological costs of climate change on marine predator–prey population distributions by 2050. Ecology and Evolution. [online] Available at: Ecological costs of climate change on marine predator–prey population distributions by 2050. Ecology and Evolution (accessed 06/03/2025)

298 Dye, S., Berx, B., Opher, J., Tinker, J.P. and Renshaw, R. (2020). Climate change and salinity of the coastal and marine environment around the UK. MCCIP Science Review 2020, pp.76-102. [online] Available at: Climate change and salinity of the coastal and marine environment around the UK. MCCIP Science Review 2020 | MCCIP (accessed 06/03/2025).

299 Scottish Government (2020). Marine Scotland Assessment. Biogenic habitats [online] Available at: Marine Scotland Assessment. Biogenic habitats | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

300 Green AE, Unsworth RKF, Chadwick MA, Jones PJS. (2021). Historical Analysis Exposes Catastrophic Seagrass Loss for the United Kingdom. Front Plant Sci. Mar 4; ;12:629962. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2021.629962. PMID: 33747011; PMCID: PMC7970192. [online] Available at: Historical Analysis Exposes Catastrophic Seagrass Loss for the United Kingdom (accessed 06/03/2025)

301 Walton, P., O’Brien, D., Smart, J., Burns, F., Basset, D., Bradfer, Lawrence, T., Foster, S., James, B. D., Mancini, F., Mordue, S., Pakeman, R. J., Pescott, O. L., Simkin, J., Stanbury, A. J., Towers, M. (2023). State of Nature Scotland 2023, the State of Nature Partnership [online] Available at: State of Nature Scotland 2023 | State of Nature Partnership (accessed 06/03/2025)

302 Simon-Nutbrown C, Hollingsworth PM, Fernandes TF, Kamphausen L, Baxter JM and Burdett HL (2020). Species Distribution Modeling Predicts Significant Declines in Coralline Algae Populations Under Projected Climate Change With Implications for Conservation Policy. Front. Mar. Sci. 7:575825. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.575825 [online] Available at: Species Distribution Modeling Predicts Significant Declines in Coralline Algae Populations Under Projected Climate Change With Implications for Conservation Policy (accessed 06/03/2025)

303 Argyll Bute Council (2024). Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) [online] Available at: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) | Argyll Bute Council (accessed 06/03/2025)

304 Dunn (2021). Revive our Seas: The case for stronger regulation of sandeel fisheries in UK waters [online] Available at: Revive our Seas: The case for stronger regulation of sandeel fisheries in UK waters | RSPB (accessed 06/03/2025)

305 Searle (K.R.), Regan, C.E., Perrow, M.R., Butler, A., Rindorf A., Harris, M.P., Newell, M.A., Sanless, S. and Daunt, F. (2023). Effects of a fishery closure and prey abundance on seabird diet and breeding success: Implications for strategy fisheries management and seabird conservation. Biological Conservation Volume 281, May 2023. Available at: Effects of a fishery closure and prey abundance on seabird diet and breeding success: Implications for strategy fisheries management and seabird conservation | Biological Conservation (accessed 06/03/2025)

306 Skov, H., Heinänen, S., Norman, T., Ward, R.M., Méndez-Roldán, S. & Ellis, I. (2018). ORJIP Bird Collision and Avoidance Study. Final report – April 2018. The Carbon Trust. United Kingdom. 247 pp [online] Available at: ORJIP Bird Collision and Avoidance Study. Final report – April 2018 | The Carbon Trust. (accessed 06/03/2025)

307 Scottish Government (2023). Sandeel fishing: consultation [online] Available at: Sandeel fishing: consultation | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

308 Scottish Government (2024). Proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters: consultation. Feedback updated 31 Jan 2024 [online] Available at: Proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters: consultation | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

309The Sandeel (Prohibition of Fishing) (Scotland) Order 2024 [online] Available at: The Sandeel (Prohibition of Fishing) (Scotland) Order 2024 | gov.uk (accessed 06/03/2025)

310 NatureScot (2024). Feature Activity Sensitivity Tool (FeAST) [online] Available at: Feature Activity Sensitivity Tool (FeAST) | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

311 JNCC (2022). Marine Pressures-Activities Database (PAD) v1.5 2022. [online] Available at: Marine Pressures-Activities Database (PAD) | JNCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

312 NatureScot (2024). Feature Activity Sensitivity Tool (FeAST) [online] Available at: Feature Activity Sensitivity Tool (FeAST) | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

313 JNCC (2022). Marine Pressures-Activities Database (PAD) v1.5 2022. [online] Available at: Marine Pressures-Activities Database (PAD) | JNCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

314 Brooks, A., Kenyon, N., Leslie, A., Long, D. (2011). Characterising Scotland's marine environment to define search locations for new Marine Protected Areas. Part 2: The identification of key geodiversity areas in Scottish waters. Research Gate 430.

315 Scottish Government (2008). Scotland's Seas: Towards understanding their state, Chapter 2 [online] Available at: Scotland's Seas: Towards understanding their state, Chapter 2 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

316 M.D. Hurst, F.M.E Muir, A.F. Rennie & J.D. Hansom (2021). Dynamic Coast: Future Coastal Erosion (2021). CRW2017_08. Scotland's Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW). Available online at: crew.ac.uk/publication (accessed 06/03/2025)

317 Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership. Marine climate change impacts. Annual Report Card 2010–2011 [online] Available at: MCCIP annual report 2010-11 (accessed 06/03/2025)

318 National Coastal Change Assessment 2: Enhancing the evidence base and our ability to adapt National Coastal Change Assessment 2: Enhancing the evidence base and our ability to adapt (accessed 06/03/2025)

319 European Commission (2004). Eurosion: Living with Coastal Erosion in Europe – Sediment and Space for Sustainability – Results for the Eurosion Study, [online] Available at: Eurosion: Living with Coastal Erosion in Europe – Sediment and Space for Sustainability – Results for the Eurosion Study | European Commission (accessed 06/03/2025)

320 NatureScot (2023). Geodiversity in Protected Areas - Geodiversity in Protected Areas | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

321 SNH (2013). Assessing the sensitivity of geodiversity features in Scotland’s seas to pressures associated with human activities. Report 590 [online] Available at: Assessing the sensitivity of geodiversity features in Scotland’s seas to pressures associated with human activities | SNH (accessed 06/03/2025)

322 SEPA. (2025). SEPA Water Classification Hub. Available at SEPA Water Classification Hub | SEPA. (accessed 06/03/2025)

323 SEPA (2025). Bathing waters: current classification [online] Available at: Bathing waters: current classification | SEPA (accessed 06/03/2025)

324 Scottish Government (2025). Water [online] Available at: Water | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

325 SEPA (2025). Water classification: status of shellfish waters [online] Available at: Water classification: status of shellfish waters | SEPA (accessed 06/03/2025)

326 UK Marine Monitoring & Assessment Strategy (2018). Marine online assessment tool [online] Available at: Marine online assessment tool | UK Marine Monitoring & Assessment Strategy (accessed 06/03/2025)

327 Defra (2019). Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status.

October 2019 [online] Available at: Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status | Defra (accessed 06/03/2025)

328 Defra (2019). Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status.

October 2019 [online] Available at: Marine Strategy Part One: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status | Defra (accessed 06/03/2025)

329 Scottish Government. (2015). The river basin management plan for the Scotland river basin district: 2015–2027. The river basin management plan for the Scotland river basin district: 2015–2027 | SEPA (accessed 06/03/2025)

330 Scotland’s Environment (2023). Scotland’s seas [online] Available at: Scotland’s seas | gov.scot (accessed 06/03/2025)

331 Scotland’s Environment (2023). Scotland’s seas [online] Available at: Scotland’s seas | gov.scot (accessed 06/03/2025)

332 Met Office (2018). UKCP18 Factsheet: Sea level rise and storm surge [online] Available at: UKCP18 Factsheet: Sea level rise and storm surge | Met Office (accessed 06/03/2025)

333 Copernicus (2024). Climate Indicators: Sea surface Temperature [online] Available at: Climate Indicators: Sea surface Temperature | Copernicus (accessed 06/03/2025)

334 European Environment Agency (2024). Ocean acidification [online] Available at: Ocean acidification | EEA (Accessed 06/03/2025)

335 Committee on Climate Change, (2018). Managing the coast in a changing climate [online] Available at Managing the coast in a changing climate | CCC (accessed 06/03/2025)

336 NASA (2025). Temperatures Rising: NASA Confirms 2024 Warmest Year on Record [online] Available at: Temperatures Rising: NASA Confirms 2024 Warmest Year on Record | NASA (accessed 06/03/2025)

337 Scotland’s Environment (2024). Changing climate [online] Available at: Changing climate (accessed 06/03/2025).

338 Scotland’s Environment (2024). Changing climate [online] Available at: Changing climate (accessed 06/03/2025).

339 Scotland’s Environment (2024). Changing climate [online] Available at: Changing climate (accessed 06/03/2025)

340 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 06/03/2025)

341 Kröger S, Parker R, Cripps G & Williamson P (Eds.) (2018). Shelf Seas: The Engine of Productivity, Policy Report on NERC-Defra Shelf Sea Biogeochemistry programme. Cefas, Lowestoft. DOI: 10.14465/2018.ssb18.pbd [online] Available at: Shelf Seas: The Engine of Productivity, Policy Report on NERC-Defra Shelf Sea Biogeochemistry programme | Cefas (accessed 06/03/2025)

342 Burrows, M.T., Hughes, D.J., Austin, W.E.N., Smeaton, C., Hicks, N., Howe, J.A., Allen, C.,Taylor, P. & Vare, L.L. (2017). Assessment of Blue Carbon Resources in Scotland’s Inshore Marine Protected Area Network. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 957 [online] Available at: Assessment of Blue Carbon Resources in Scotland’s Inshore Marine Protected Area Network | Scottish Natural Heritage (accessed 06/03/2025)

343 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 06/03/2025)

344 Kröger S, Parker R, Cripps G & Williamson P (Eds.) (2018). Shelf Seas: The Engine of Productivity, Policy Report on NERC-Defra Shelf Sea Biogeochemistry programme. Cefas, Lowestoft. DOI: 10.14465/2018.ssb18.pbd [online] Available at: Shelf Seas: The Engine of Productivity, Policy Report on NERC-Defra Shelf Sea Biogeochemistry programme | Cefas (accessed 06/03/2025)

345 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 06/03/2025)

346 Kröger S, Parker R, Cripps G & Williamson P (Eds.) (2018). Shelf Seas: The Engine of Productivity, Policy Report on NERC-Defra Shelf Sea Biogeochemistry programme. Cefas, Lowestoft. DOI: 10.14465/2018.ssb18.pbd [online] Available at: Shelf Seas: The Engine of Productivity, Policy Report on NERC-Defra Shelf Sea Biogeochemistry programme | Cefas

347 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 06/03/2025)

348 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 06/03/2025)

349 Scottish Government (2021). Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2021 [online] Available at: Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2021 | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

350 Tiziana Luisetti, R. Kerry Turner, Julian E. Andrews, Timothy D. Jickells, Silke Kröger, Markus Diesing, Lucille Paltriguera, Martin T. Johnson, Eleanor R. Parker, Dorothee C.E. Bakker, Keith Weston (2019) Quantifying and valuing carbon flows and stores in coastal and shelf ecosystems in the UK ,Ecosystem Services, Volume 35, 2019, Pages 67-76, ISSN 2212-0416 [online] Available at: Quantifying and valuing carbon flows and stores in coastal and shelf ecosystems in the UK | Ecosystem Services (accessed 06/03/2025)

351 Tinker, J.P. and Howes, E.L. (2020). The impacts of climate change on temperature (air and sea), relevant to the coastal and marine environment around the UK. MCCIP Science Review 2020, 1–32 [online] Available at: The impacts of climate change on temperature (air and sea), relevant to the coastal and marine environment around the UK | MCCIP (accessed 06/03/2025)

352 Hiscock, K., Southward, A., Tittley, I., Hawkins, S. (2001). The impact of climate change on subtidal and intertidal benthic species in Scotland. Report to Scottish Natural Heritage from the Marine Biological Association of the UK.

353 Sweetman, A.K., Thurber, A.R., Smith, C.R., Levin, L.A., Mora, C., Wei, C.L., Gooday, A.J., Jones, D.O., Rex, M., Yasuhara, M. and Ingels, J. (2017). Major impacts of climate change on deep-sea benthic ecosystems. Elem Sci Anth, 5, p.4. [online] Available at: Major impacts of climate change on deep-sea benthic ecosystems | Elem Sci Anth (accessed 06/03/2025)

354 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): Mousa, Old Scatness and Jarlshof: the Zenith of Iron Age Shetland [online] Available at: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): Mousa, Old Scatness and Jarlshof: the Zenith of Iron Age Shetland (accessed 06/03/2025)

355 Scottish Government - National Marine Plan interactive (NMPi) – Historic Marine Protected Areas (HMPAs) - protected wrecks contributing to the MPA network (HES WMS) (OSCP) [online] Available at: Scottish Government - National Marine Plan interactive (NMPi) – Historic Marine Protected Areas (HMPAs) - protected wrecks contributing to the MPA network (HES WMS) (OSCP) (accessed 06/03/2025)

356 Scottish Government (2011). Scotland’s Marine Atlas: Information for the national marine plan. Pg 156.

357 Scotland’s Coastal Heritage at Risk [online] Available at: Scotland’s Coastal Heritage at Risk (accessed 06/03/2025)

358 NatureScot (2020). Scottish Landscape Character Types Map and Descriptions [online] Available at; Scottish Landscape Character Types Map and Descriptions | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

359 NatureScot (2023). National Scenic Areas. [online] available at National Scenic Areas | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

360 Scottish Government (2025). Landscape and outdoor access [online] Available at: Landscape and outdoor access | Scottish Government (accessed 06/03/2025)

361 Historic Environment Scotland. (2025). World Heritage Sites in Scotland. [online] available at World Heritage Sites in Scotland | Historic Environment Scotland (accessed 06/03/2025)

362 NatureScot (2023). Local Landscape Areas. [online] Available at Local Landscape Areas | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

363 NatureScot (2020). Assessing impacts on Wild Land Areas – technical guidance [online] Available at: Assessing impacts on Wild Land Areas – technical guidance | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

364 NatureScot (2024). Visit a geopark. [online] Available at Visit a geopark | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

365 Scott, K.E., Anderson, C., Dunsford, H., Benson, J.F. and MacFarlane, R. (2005). An assessment of the sensitivity and capacity of the Scottish seascape in relation to offshore windfarms. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No.103 (ROAME No. F03AA06) [online] Available at An assessment of the sensitivity and capacity of the Scottish seascape in relation to offshore windfarms | Scottish Natural Heritage (accessed 06/03/2025)

366 NatureScot (2023). Coastal Character Assessment [online] Available at: Coastal Character Assessment | NatureScot (accessed 06/03/2025)

367 As defined under section 290 of the Energy Act, and section 731 of the explanatory notes of the Energy Act [online] Available at: Energy Act Explanatory Notes (accessed 06/03/2025)

368 As defined under section 290 of the Energy Act, and section 731 of the explanatory notes of the Energy Act [online] Available at: Energy Act Explanatory Notes (accessed 06/03/2025)