THE UK MARINE AND COASTAL ACCESS BILL
35. Following negotiations, the UK Government has introduced the UK Marine and Coastal Access Bill in the UK Parliament. This will provide a framework for the Scottish Ministers to work co-operatively with the UK Government on marine management and additional responsibilities for Scottish Ministers in the off-shore zone.
36. The Bill provides for Scottish Ministers agreeing a Marine Policy Statement drawn up jointly by Ministers from the Scottish and UK Governments and other devolved administrations. It also provides for Scottish Ministers to have responsibility for marine planning in the off-shore zone, subject to the approval of UK Ministers. Marine Scotland will take on responsibility for both these functions.