OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The Scottish Government's mission is to manage Scotland's seas for prosperity and environmental sustainability. This contributes to the Scottish Government's overall purpose of sustainable economic growth and achievement of a shared vision of clean, healthy, safe, productive, biologically diverse marine and coastal environments, managed to meet the long term needs of people and nature.
Key facts
The vast majority of Scots live within 10 km of the sea. The Marine (Scotland) Act1received Royal Assent on 10 March 2010 introducing, for the first time: - National and regional marine plans
- New powers to create Marine Protected Areas
- New compliance/licence measures
- Improved conservation of seals
Scotland's seas are a major asset generating more than £3.6 bn for the Scottish economy. There is excellent potential for renewable energy generation around Scotland's coasts. Scotland's seas sustain over 40,000 species including internationally important populations of marine mammals and sea birds. 22 species of porpoise, dolphin and whale can be found in Scottish waters. 40 Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in Scotland's seas. |