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Bill to protect marine wildlife Bill to protect marine wildlife
(21 minutes later)
Proposed new laws to safeguard Scotland's marine life while safeguarding offshore jobs are being unveiled by ministers. Proposed new laws to protect Scotland's marine life while safeguarding offshore jobs are being unveiled by ministers.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said current legislation needed to be simplified, while ensuring the marine environment had a sustainable future.Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said current legislation needed to be simplified, while ensuring the marine environment had a sustainable future.
The government's Marine Bill is likely to combine existing organisations into one body - Marine Scotland. The Scottish Government's Marine Bill is likely to combine existing bodies into one - Marine Scotland.
The legislation would also set up a new marine planning system. The legislation would also set up a new marine planning system in an attempt to encourage renewable energy development.
It is hoped this would encourage development in renewable energy.
The legislation is also expected to provide increased protection for seals, while some fisheries and fish farms could be allowed to manage their local seal populations under licence.The legislation is also expected to provide increased protection for seals, while some fisheries and fish farms could be allowed to manage their local seal populations under licence.
Groups representing various interests from wildlife and birds to the fishing industry were consulted as the bill was drafted.Groups representing various interests from wildlife and birds to the fishing industry were consulted as the bill was drafted.