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Sea bill 'should herald new era' Marine bill 'can strike balance'
(about 5 hours later)
The Scottish Government has a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to protect the country's marine environment, campaigners have said. Energy investment in Scotland's seas can be balanced with protecting marine wildlife and seabirds, the Scottish Government has claimed.
The comments come as Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead launches a consultation on Scotland's Marine Bill. The comments came as Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead launched a consultation on Scotland's Marine Bill.
Environmental groups want the bill to include measures to protect seas around the country and the wildlife in them. Campaigners urged the government to use a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to protect the marine environment.
They are also calling for a management group to take charge of planning, licensing and enforcement at sea. The bill has plans for a new marine planning system and a streamlined process to encourage renewable energy.
Scotland's coasts are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including whales, dolphins and porpoises. Environmental groups want the bill to include strong measures to protect seas around the country and the wildlife they contain.
There is already too much evidence of the damage done Andrew BachellNational Trust for Scotland But environmentalists claim there is evidence of a decline in marine species and habitats, giving rise to growing concerns about the impact of human activity. We have huge potential to increase economic growth from our seas but need to do so in a sustainable way Richard LochheadEnvironment Secretary They are also calling for a management group to take charge of planning, licensing and enforcement at sea.
Jonny Hughes, head of policy at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: "The bill should herald the dawn of a new era for Scotland's seas, one in which caring for the health of the marine environment is afforded top priority. Scotland's coasts are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including whales, dolphins and porpoises, while the fishing industry and developing renewables sector are key parts of the Scottish economy.
"The benefits will be clear, not just for marine wildlife but for the coastal communities which depend on a productive sea for their livelihoods." Mr Lochhead said: "Striking the right balance between the long-term viability and growth of all these industries and the enhanced protection of our special marine environment is at the heart of our proposed bill.
Calum Duncan, chair of umbrella group Scottish Environment Link, said: "We believe that the bill is a once in a lifetime opportunity to set tough targets to protect our wildlife." "We need a new relationship with the seas to safeguard this unique and precious resource for future generations."
Mr Lochhead said 60% of food exports came from the sea, worth £422m to the economy.
He also promised to improve conservation, including measures to protect internationally important seabirds.
Kittiwakes are among the seabirds said to be having breeding problems"We have huge potential to increase economic growth from our seas but need to do so in a sustainable way," he added.
The minister said the proposals would be overseen by a new organisation, Marine Scotland, pulled together from existing groups.
He stressed the government would continue to push for more devolved powers on marine planning and nature conservation from Westminster.
But environmentalists claim there is evidence of a decline in marine species and habitats, giving rise to growing concerns about the impact of human activity.
Jonny Hughes, head of policy at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: "The bill should herald the dawn of a new era for Scotland's seas, one in which caring for the health of the marine environment is afforded top priority."
There is already too much evidence of the damage done Andrew BachellNational Trust for Scotland Calum Duncan, chair of umbrella group Scottish Environment Link, said: "We believe that the bill is a once in a lifetime opportunity to set tough targets to protect our wildlife."
Mr Duncan, who is also Scottish conservation manager for the Marine Conservation Society, said any legislation "must have the marine environment at its heart" and should also be closely linked to the UK Marine Bill.Mr Duncan, who is also Scottish conservation manager for the Marine Conservation Society, said any legislation "must have the marine environment at its heart" and should also be closely linked to the UK Marine Bill.
WWF Scotland's marine policy officer Helen McLachlan said: "Scotland has the lion's share of the UK's fishing industry, so it is vital to ensure that our valuable seas and their resources are managed and protected in the most effective way."WWF Scotland's marine policy officer Helen McLachlan said: "Scotland has the lion's share of the UK's fishing industry, so it is vital to ensure that our valuable seas and their resources are managed and protected in the most effective way."
Lloyd Austin, of RSPB Scotland, said recent reports showed seabird populations were declining.Lloyd Austin, of RSPB Scotland, said recent reports showed seabird populations were declining.
Kittiwakes are among the seabirds said to be having breeding problemsHe called for the bill to bring about "a true policy shift to put the environment at the heart of decision-making". He called for the bill to bring about "a true policy shift to put the environment at the heart of decision-making".
Andrew Bachell, of the National Trust for Scotland, stated: "We believe that Scotland's seas and the wildlife it supports must be better protected.Andrew Bachell, of the National Trust for Scotland, stated: "We believe that Scotland's seas and the wildlife it supports must be better protected.
"There is already too much evidence of the damage done.""There is already too much evidence of the damage done."
Richard Lochhead said the bill would strike the right balance between protecting the environment and sustainable economic growth. Green energy trade body Scottish Renewables said the bill would play an "important role" in helping the government meet green energy targets.
"Our seas are special and are home to over 40,000 species including internationally important populations of dolphins and seabirds," he said. Chief executive Jason Ormiston added: "There are companies ready to invest billions in Scotland's marine power industry and a planning process that fast-tracks good projects that are sensitive to biodiversity issues will be a key factor in whether that money is pumped into this young industry over the next 20 years."
"They are an asset of which we can be rightly proud and the bill will ensure they enjoy a healthy future for generations to come.
"Today, we will be setting out how we plan to protect our seas while ensuring a viable future for industries such as fishing, renewable energy and marine tourism."