Scottish Government plans to protect the sea are not yet ‘fit for purpose’ according to the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs committee.
The draft National Marine Plan aims to balance the demands of the oil industry, renewable energy schemes, fishing sector, tourism with the need to protect marine species, habitats and sites of cultural and historical interest.
Rob Gibson convener of the committee said: “Multiple uses are made of our marine environment, and increasingly these are coming into conflict.
“But the Scottish Government’s draft National Marine Plan does not provide a clear
and concise set of policies that can be consistently applied by decision-
He added: “There is a danger the plan in its present form will create conflict by having highly prescriptive actions in some areas, while setting out vague aspirations in others. Simply put, instead of making the marine environment easier, it risks making it more difficult.”
Rob Gibson continued: “The right government plan has the potential to clearly outline rights and responsibilities, while protecting Scotland’s sustainable future. We are calling on the Scottish Government to create a final National Marine Plan that is clear, concise and can be evenly applied across the country.”
Scottish marine plan “not fit for purpose”
31 January 2015