Reacting to the announcement today by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead, Alex Kinninmonth, Living Seas Manager for the Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “The adoption of Scotland’s first ever National Marine Plan is a welcome step forward in efforts to ensure that our use of the seas is sustainable and Scotland’s amazing wildlife is safeguarded.

“Implementing the plan around the Scottish coastline will be challenging and will require significant resources and collaboration but after many years of campaigning we are pleased that the broad foundations now exist for a marine planning system that aims to secure healthy seas for future generations.”

Jonny Hughes, Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust added:

“The publication of Scotland’s first ever National Marine Plan is a milestone in the history of Scottish seas, a history so often characterised by plunder and damage rather than wise use and good stewardship.  Our seas are shared commons and it’s in our economic interests to ensure they are healthy and productive.  The National Marine Plan is one tool for helping us achieve such healthy, wildlife-rich seas and is a welcome step forward by the Scottish Government.”