MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
I was proud for my part in securing the passage of the Marine (Scotland) Act last year. For the first time Scotland has a legislative framework for promoting a sustainable approach to marine management.
For the first time, a National Marine Plan will give greater clarity to decision making in the marine environment, governing more detailed planning at the regional level and informing marine licensing and other decision making functions.
This pre-consultation Draft National Marine Plan, starts the process of agreeing the policies and objectives required to ensure Scotland has a healthy and sustainable marine environment, delivering sustainable economic growth.
At a time that is challenging economically and environmentally it has never been more important to exercise good stewardship of the marine assets that we have inherited and will in turn bequeath to our children.
I hope this document and its vision and objectives will stimulate debate amongst all those who use and value Scotland's seas.
Richard Lochhead MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment MSP