Scottish Government

TIMESCALES AND NEXT STEPS

71. This section sets out broad timescales for transition work ahead of the new functions which will flow from the Marine Bill.

72. Key milestones are:

• Establishment of Marine Scotland - 1 April 2009
• Establishment of the Marine Scotland Management Board - 1 April 2009
• Marine Bill to be introduced to Scottish Parliament in late spring 2009
• Establishment of the Marine Strategy Forum - July 2009
• New arrangements for marine-related consents (ongoing)
• The appointments process in relation to the establishment of the Marine Science Advisory Board will commence with a view to the board being in place as soon as possible
• Publication of Marine Scotland's first annual report and strategic plan - 1 April 2010
• Development of marine planning, functions and processes - ongoing
• Publication of the research strategy by 1 April 2010
• Marine Renewables - manage production of initial marine spatial plan for Pentland Firth and Orkney waters by 31 December 2009

73. In addition to the above development work related to new functions or transition, Marine Scotland will also continue to deliver existing marine functions.

74. For more details see:

• The Marine Scotland website www.scotland.gov.uk/marinescotland
• "Sustainable Seas for All" www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/07/11100221/0
• Analysis of Consultation Responses www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/01/22160605/0
• Announcement of the establishment of Marine Scotland (9 February 2009) www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/02/09163825

75. Translation of this document into Gaelic is available on request, contact marinescotland@scotland.gsi.gov.uk