Marine

Marine Reserves in Scotland? useful examples from New Zealand

Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force press release, 7 September 2005

An evening with Bill Ballantine hosted by Scottish Environment LINK

Tonight in Edinburgh, LINK welcomes Bill Ballantine to share his experience of pioneering Marine Reserves in New Zealand, demonstrating their value to fisheries, tourism and marine wildlife alike.

Whilst Scotland has its own set of marine management issues to grapple with, a growing recognition that a sustainable future for our coastal communities and industries relies on healthy seas means we can learn from other temperate countries such as New Zealand.

This event will be Chaired by Maureen Macmillan MSP who has been actively involved in this area, hosting an oversubscribed event in the Scottish Parliament last year.

Calum Duncan, Convener of the Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force said:

"Marine Protected Areas can be established for many reasons, from multiple use areas to strict no-take zones. In June, we welcomed the process for establishing Scotland's first Coastal and Marine National Park. This is more likely to be a zoned, multiple-use area with an agreed management framework, rather than a stricter form of MPA.

However, in Scotland we also need a network of areas of restricted activity similar to those in New Zealand to provide regeneration havens for fish and other marine species, a win-win scenario for both coastal communities and sealife.

We have been encouraging the Minister to identify trial marine protected areas for important habitats and species, delivered through a Marine (Scotland) Act, that could be closely monitored to prove their worth. Results from New Zealand suggest that the results of such a trial would be favourable."

New Zealand has 27 highly-protected marine reserves, the first of which was established 30 years ago. Plans are also underway to create a fully representative network of marine reserves throughout NZ.

Bill Ballantine was instrumental in establishing this network, including the world's first No-Take Marine Reserve at Cape Rodney to Okakari Point near Leigh in New Zealand's North Island.

Promise for Scotland's Seas must be Countdown to Action

Scottish Environment LINK press release, 12 September 2005

Welcoming the Scottish Marine and Coastal Strategy launched today by Environment Minister Ross Finnie MSP, Scottish Environment LINK's Marine Task Force1 said only prompt, decisive action can protect Scotland's seas. Calum Duncan, Convener of the LINK Marine Task Force, said:

"In the eighteen months since the Scottish Executive ended its consultation on a Strategic Framework for Scotland's Marine Environment3 we have seen the two most devastating breeding seasons on record for Scotland's seabirds and economic crisis in the fishing industry. It is crunch time for Scotland's seas. We welcome the Strategy announced today, and being invited to join the Stakeholder Group. We are optimistic it can reverse the decline around our coast - provided the Executive ensures these fine words lead to bold, decisive action."

Calum Duncan, added:

"This Strategy must be a countdown to delivery - setting clear, measurable, time-bound outputs. Specifically, it must lay the foundations for a national marine agency, for marine spatial planning to ensure co-operation between sea users and a network of protected areas at sea to conserve our nationally and internationally important marine wildlife. To deliver these, the Stakeholder Group and Executive must get to grips with the need for a Marine Act for Scotland.4

Scotland's marine and estuarine environment is our most valuable resource, contributing £14 billion to Scotland's £64 billion GDP, and providing the foundation for important economic and social activities. This environment can only remain productive if it is managed sustainably, through activities such as well-planned renewable marine energy production, sustainable aquaculture, marine eco-tourism, marine conservation and sustainable fisheries producing high quality seafood.

Lloyd Austin, of RSPB Scotland, and Chair of Scottish Environment LINK, said:

"Scottish Environment LINK and our members welcome this announcement. We look forward to participating in the Stakeholder Group, and will be working hard with others to develop actions, including legislative proposals, that will fulfil the Executive's internationally-agreed commitments to deliver a halt to marine biodiversity loss and a network of protected areas by 20105.

ENDS

Contact details for press release:

Calum Duncan, Marine Conservation Society and Convenor LINK Marine Task Force:
07841 985 595

Lloyd Austin, RSPB Scotland and Chair Scottish Environment LINK:
07801 030397

Claire Pescod, WWF Scotland Marine Policy Officer
07867 720 633

EDITOR'S NOTES

1. Scottish Environment LINK (LINK)
LINK is an umbrella body for Scotland's voluntary environmental organisations representing approximately half a million members throughout Scotland. LINK's Marine Task Force consists of the following environmental NGOs working on marine issues in Scotland:

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
Marine Conservation Society
National Trust for Scotland
RSPB Scotland

Scottish Wildlife Trust
WWF Scotland
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

2. UK Marine Bill
Following the Queen's Speech on Tuesday 17th May, it was confirmed that a draft Marine Bill will be in the programme of legislation for the new session of the UK Parliament at Westminster. The purpose of such a UK Bill will be to establish a sustainable development framework for planning and managing coastal areas, marine habitats and wildlife. The proposed Westminster legislation will cover reserved matters in Scotland's seas. A separate Marine (Scotland) Act is needed north of the border to address devolved matters: this should be developed in parallel to (and not subsequent to) the Westminster bill.

3. Developing a Strategic Framework for Scotland's Marine Environment
This marine consultation run by the Scottish Executive closed at the end of July 2004. Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force and a range of other stakeholders have been waiting on an announcement of the outcome of the consultation since September 2004.

4. Marine (Scotland) Act

Since the Scottish Executive controls most activities within 12nm of the Scottish shore, including inshore fisheries, aquaculture, coastal management, renewable energy, conservation, pollution, dumping and dredging, marine works and research, Scottish Environment LINK's Marine Task Force is calling for a Marine (Scotland) Act to manage Scottish inshore waters in such a way as to ensure they are healthy and productive in perpetuity by delivering:

• Adequate protection for marine species and habitats of national and international importance, encompassing a network of well-managed marine areas protected by law. This network should comprise of at least one Marine National Park, further European marine sites, including marine Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for seabirds, and a new domestic designation of marine protected area to allow protection of marine species and habitats of national importance.
• Effective Marine Spatial Planning - a hierarchy of plans and policies for Scotland's inshore seas managing the vast range of marine activities and the regulation of proposals for change.
• An identified lead body - a national decision-making 'body' to oversee marine strategic and spatial planning of devolved activities in Scottish waters in co-ordination with a UK body responsible for reserved matters.
• Local management - delegating powers and putting in place structures for local decision-making, including input to spatial planning and resource management.
• A duty of care on all bodies whose activities impact upon the marine environment - to protect, manage and enhance marine species, habitats and ecosystems.
  

5. Targets agreed for 2010

• Biodiversity: as part of the European Union, the Scottish Executive is committed to halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010. This commitment forms the centrepiece of its Scottish Biodiversity Strategy - and should, therefore, be one of the key environmental objectives of the Marine and Coastal Strategy. As this is a commitment, already agreed at EU level, the Minister could clearly state, now, that the new strategy will include this objective - and measures to achieve it.
• Protected areas: at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, in Johannesburg, attended by the First Minister, Jack McConnell, the UK (and the devolved administrations) committed themselves to establishing a comprehensive network of marine protected areas by 2010. As this internationally-agreed commitment already exists, the Minister could clearly state now, that the new strategy will include measures to establish such a network on such a timescale.

Marine Groups support plastic bag levy to protect Sea Life

Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force press release, Monday 20th June

Environmental groups have voiced support of MSP Mike Pringle's proposed levy on plastic bags, as a means of preventing the unnecessary deaths of some of Scotland's most popular marine wildlife.

Numerous independent scientific studies have shown high concentrations of plastic material, including bags, blocking the guts of 177 marine species, including whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, fulmars and turtles. Some marine species, such as the endangered leatherback turtle, summer visitor to Scottish waters, mistake plastic bags for their normal prey of jelly fish, with deadly results. Many marine species are now affected by the minute toxic particles that plastic items, including bags, are reduced to by photodegradation, leading to a weakening of their immune system.

A rare Cuviers Beaked Whale was washed up dead on Mull last year, its gut completely blocked by compacted bags. In 1998, a leatherback turtle, a species on the IUCN's endangered Red List, was found dead in Galloway with 57kg of plastic bags obstructing its innards. In April 2002, a dead Minke whale in Normandy had 800kg of plastic bags, including UK supermarket bags, in its stomach. The list goes on.

"Last year a total of 5,592 plastic bags were recorded during the MCS Beachwatch survey - that's 2% of all beach litter or one for every 38m of beach surveyed. Mike Pringle's proposed Bill, as supported by LINK since 2003, will certainly reduce the number of windblown plastic bags and play an important role in reducing the impact of discarded litter on Scotland's marine wildlife and habitats," said Calum Duncan, Marine Conservation Society Scottish Officer and Convener of the Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force.

Laura Bateson of WWF Scotland and Scottish Wildlife Trust added "Plastic bags are a real and tragic threat to marine life and it's deeply disturbing to think of the suffering these wild animals face. By reducing the amount of plastic bags that we use and discard in Scotland we can make a real difference in protecting vulnerable marine animals, many of which already face enormous pressures from pollution, shipping and fishing."

-ends-
Contact details for press release:
Jules Weston, WWF Scotland Press Officer, 01887 820 449, m: 07771 818 677; e: jweston@wwfscotland.org.uk

EDITOR'S NOTES

1 Scottish Environment LINK (LINK) Marine Task Force
Scottish Environment LINK is the network of 36 voluntary sector environment organisations in Scotland. The members of the LINK Marine Task Force include the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, Marine Conservation Society, National Trust for Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and WWF Scotland.

2 Although plastic bags are sometimes only a small component of street litter this is due to their mobility. Instead of remaining where dropped, they are blown into trees, hedges, or washed straight into the sewerage system, or into waterways - to end up on beaches and in the marine environment.

3 The everyone campaign -an initiative of Scottish Environment LINK 'must do it' called for Less Landfill (one of six demands) in 2003:
ACT NOW: Reduce waste by providing doorstep recycling for every household and by introducing a plastic bag charge. Set a 1% per year reduction target for total waste produced by 2010. More at http://www.everyonecan.org/mustdoit.html

4 For more information on Mike Pringle's bill go to www.mikepringlemsp.com

5 Marine (Scotland) Act
Since the Scottish Executive controls most activities within 12nm of the Scottish shore, including inshore fisheries, aquaculture, coastal management, renewable energy, conservation, pollution, dumping and dredging, marine works and research, Scottish Environment LINK's Marine Task Force is calling for a Marine (Scotland) Act to manage Scottish inshore waters in such a way as to ensure they are healthy and productive in perpetuity by delivering:

• Adequate protection for marine species and habitats of national and international importance, encompassing a network of well-managed marine areas protected by law. This network should comprise of at least one Marine National Park, further European marine sites, including marine Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for seabirds, and a new domestic designation of marine protected area to allow protection of marine species and habitats of national importance.
• Effective Marine Spatial Planning - a hierarchy of plans and policies for Scotland's inshore seas managing the vast range of marine activities and the regulation of proposals for change.
• An identified lead body - a national decision-making 'body' to oversee marine strategic and spatial planning of devolved activities in Scottish waters in co-ordination with a UK body responsible for reserved matters.
• Local management - delegating powers and putting in place structures for local decision-making, including input to spatial planning and resource management.
• A duty of care on all bodies whose activities impact upon the marine environment - to protect, manage and enhance marine species, habitats and ecosystems.
  

Environment groups call for action, not more talk, to protect Scotland's seas

Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force press release, Wednesday 15th June 2005

Real and urgent action is needed to protect Scotland's seas, say the members of Scottish Environment LINK's Marine Task Force(1). In response to today's statement by Ross Finnie MSP, the Executive's Environment Minister, Calum Duncan, of the Marine Conservation Society and Convener of the LINK Marine Task Force, said:

"Scotland's seas are crying out for action, not more discussion, to safeguard their future. While we welcome the Minister's overarching goal, we are disappointed that he has not clearly set out the measures he will take to meet this goal, or when they will be introduced. This contrasts markedly to the position taken by the UK Government, which is already committed to a Marine Act that will introduce marine spatial planning(2), leaving the Scottish Executive bobbing in their wake"

Today's statement was made one year after the close of the Executive's consultation on "Developing a Strategic Framework for Scotland's Marine Environment"(3). In its response to this consultation, the Marine Task Force, and its members, argued for a Marine (Scotland) Bill to deliver a comprehensive network of marine protected areas and a system of Marine Spatial Planning to prevent conflict between sectors in our increasingly congested seas(4).

Lloyd Austin, of RSPB Scotland, and Chair of Scottish Environment LINK, added:

"The Minister's commitment to produce a Marine and Coastal Strategy for Scotland is welcome - and our members look forward to playing their role in its production. However, the Minister should set out, now, that this strategy will deliver his already agreed 2010 targets for marine biodiversity and protected areas(5).

"Moreover, instead of delaying further the Minister should agree to a Marine (Scotland) Act being developed in parallel with Westminster's - and ask the stakeholder group to advise on detail, rather than further delay any decision on the principle."

"In addition, the Minister could use powers already available to begin the process of establishing a marine National park and could also designate trial marine protected areas that could be closely monitored to prove their worth. It is a disappointment that, after a year of further consideration, no real action is being taken."

Scotland's marine and estuarine environment is our most valuable resource, contributing £14 billion to Scotland's £64 billion GDP, and providing the foundation for important economic and social activities, both industrial (renewable energy, oil extraction, shipping, aquaculture, fisheries) and recreational (diving, sailing, tourism, angling). However, pollution, over-fishing, unchecked coastal development and poor governance threaten the health of the sea, precious marine life and the livelihoods of those dependent upon it.

Calum Duncan, added:

"Scotland has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be world-leader in renewable marine energy, sustainable aquaculture, quality seafood, marine eco-tourism, marine conservation, and to deliver genuinely sustainable fisheries in our inshore waters.

"The proposed Marine Committee must not be a talking shop. It must not waste this opportunity - we urge the Minister to ensure its terms of reference are set so as to deliver a network of marine protected areas and a system of Marine Spatial Planning through the development of a Marine (Scotland) Act."

ENDS

Contact details for press release:

Calum Duncan, Marine Conservation Society and Convenor LINK Marine Task Force:
0131 226 6360 or 07841 985 595

Lloyd Austin, RSPB Scotland and Chair Scottish Environment LINK:
0131 311 6500 or 07801 030397

Claire Pescod, WWF Scotland Marine Policy Officer
01887 820 449

EDITOR'S NOTES

1. Scottish Environment LINK (LINK)
LINK is an umbrella body for Scotland's voluntary environmental organisations representing approximately half a million members throughout Scotland and. LINK's Marine Task Force consists of the following environmental NGOs working on marine issues in Scotland:

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
Marine Conservation Society
National Trust for Scotland
RSPB Scotland Scottish Wildlife Trust

Scottish Wildlife Trust
WWF Scotland
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

2. UK Marine Bill
Following the Queen's Speech on Tuesday 17th May, it was confirmed that a draft Marine Bill will be in the programme of legislation for the new session of the UK Parliament at Westminster. The purpose of such a UK Bill will be to establish a sustainable development framework for planning and managing coastal areas, marine habitats and wildlife. Last week, the Marine Task Force of Wildlife and Countryside Link, Scottish Environment LINK's sister UK organisation, presented an incredible 165,000 pledges of support for a UK Marine Act to 10 Downing Street on World Ocean's Day. While the proposed Westminster legislation will cover reserved matters in Scotland's seas, LINK's Marine Task Force believes a separate Marine (Scotland) Act is needed north of the border to address devolved matters: this should be developed in parallel to (and not subsequent to) the Westminster bill.

3. Developing a Strategic Framework for Scotland's Marine Environment
This marine consultation run by the Scottish Executive closed at the end of July 2004. Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force and a range of other stakeholders have been waiting on an announcement of the outcome of the consultation since September 2004.

4. Marine (Scotland) Act
Since the Scottish Executive controls most activities within 12nm of the Scottish shore, including inshore fisheries, aquaculture, coastal management, renewable energy, conservation, pollution, dumping and dredging, marine works and research. Scottish Environment LINK's Marine Task Force argues for a separate Marine (Scotland) Act to manage Scottish inshore waters in such a way as to ensure they are healthy and productive in perpetuity by delivering:

• Adequate protection for marine species and habitats of national and international importance, encompassing a network of well-managed marine areas protected by law. This network should comprise of at least one Marine National Park, further European marine sites, including marine Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for seabirds, and a new domestic designation of marine protected area to allow protection of marine species and habitats of national importance.
• Effective Marine Spatial Planning - a hierarchy of plans and policies for Scotland's inshore seas managing the vast range of marine activities and the regulation of proposals for change.
• An identified lead body - a national decision-making 'body' to oversee marine strategic and spatial planning of devolved activities in Scottish waters in co-ordination with a UK body responsible for reserved matters.
• Local management - delegating powers and putting in place structures for local decision-making, including input to spatial planning and resource management.
• A duty of care on all bodies whose activities impact upon the marine environment - to protect, manage and enhance marine species, habitats and ecosystems.

5. Targets agreed for 2010

• Biodiversity: as part of the European Union, the Scottish Executive is committed to halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010. This commitment forms the centrepiece of its Scottish Biodiversity Strategy - and should, therefore, be one of the key environmental objectives of the Marine and Coastal Strategy. As this is a commitment, already agreed at EU level, the Minister could clearly state, now, that the new strategy will include this objective - and measures to achieve it.
• Protected areas: at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, in Johannesburg, attended by the First Minister, Jack McConnell, the UK (and the devolved administrations) committed themselves to establishing a comprehensive network of marine protected areas by 2010. As this internationally-agreed commitment already exists, the Minister could clearly state now, that the new strategy will include measures to establish such a network on such a timescale.
  

Scottish Environment LINK

Wednesday 9th March 2005

Action urged to protect Scotland's sea life

Representatives from Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force will travel to Westminster today to visit Scottish MPs in support of the Wildlife and Countryside Link's Marine Lobby. This show of support by LINK Marine Task Force [1] will raise awareness of the importance of a Marine Act for Scotland aimed at protecting Scottish seas, sea life and the economic activities that rely upon them.

It is envisaged that a UK Marine Bill will bring protection and control over activities in UK waters. However within 12 nautical miles of Scotland's shore the Scottish Executive has devolved control of inshore fisheries, aquaculture, coastal management, renewable energy, conservation, pollution, dumping and dredging, marine works and research, many issues which would not be specifically addressed by a UK Act. The Scottish Executive are currently drafting a Strategic Framework for Scotland's Marine Environment [2] and are in an excellent position to administer policies and legislation that will ensure a healthy and sustainable future for Scotland's territorial seas and the marine wildlife and coastal communities that rely upon them.Only last week, in the DEFRA Charting Progress Report, it was recommended that 'where they have responsibility for the management of their territorial waters it will be for the devolved administrations to determine the need to bring forward any new legislation.'

Calum Duncan, Convener of the LINK Marine Task Force, said: "Scotland accounts for some 70% of the UK's territorial seas and was formerly leading the way in marine and coastal conservation. However recent initiatives have seen DEFRA and English Nature forge ahead, leaving the Scottish Executive bobbing in their wake. It is several months since the Executive's Strategic Framework for Scotland's Marine Environment consultation concluded and we still await an announcement. To give substance to the rhetoric, we would like to see a firm commitment from the Scottish Executive to introduce a Marine (Scotland) Act.'

A rescue package for Scotland's seas is desperately needed and only a whole package underpinned by framework legislation, a Marine (Scotland) Act, will deliver healthy seas and safeguard the resources and communities that depend upon them [5].

ENDS

Contact details for press release:
Calum Duncan, Convenor LINK Marine Task Force - 0131 226 6360; 07879 821494

Editors Notes
[1] Scottish Environment LINK (LINK) is an umbrella body for Scotland's voluntary environmental organisations representing approximately half a million members throughout Scotland. The LINK 'Marine Task Force' consists of the following environmental NGOs working on marine issues in Scotland:

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
Marine Conservation Society
National Trust for Scotland
RSPB Scotland Scottish Wildlife Trust
WWF Scotland
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

[2] Scottish waters generate £14 billion or 21 % of Scottish GDP the economy each year. Almost 20 % of the Scottish population lives within one kilometre of the coast. Fifty per cent of UK wildlife is found in the marine environment with 14 nationally and internationally important coastal and marine habitats in Scotland supporting an estimated 8,000 species.

[3] At a UK level Labour have been committed to a marine bill for a few months. On Tuesday 14th September 2004 Tony Blair made his first public statement on the need for a marine bill whilst speaking on the need to tackle Climate Change at the 10th anniversary of His Royal Highness' Business and the Environment Programme.

[4] The Scottish Executive's 'Developing a Strategic Framework for Scotland's Marine Environment' consultation closed at the end of July 2004. The consultation offered stakeholders the opportunity to influence the development of this strategic framework which is currently being drafted.

[5] The Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force, and many coastal stakeholders, believe Scotland's coast and seas need an effective, co-ordinated marine management strategy based on an understanding of how ecosystems work. The only way we will get this is with fundamental reform of how we manage our seas, underpinning the whole package with new framework legislation for the marine environment, a Marine (Scotland) Act. The pieces of the package must include:

1. A Marine Strategy - for inshore seas and associated issues out to 12nm placing local stakeholders and the sea at the heart of decision-making and integrating with UK strategy to 200nm.

2. An identified lead body - a national decision-making 'body' to oversee marine strategic and spatial planning of devolved activities in Scottish waters in co-ordination with a UK body responsible for reserved matters. The Scottish body should have statutory responsibility for the preparation, implementation and evaluation of a marine strategy and spatial plan(s); powers to decide national priorities, co-ordinate sectoral activities, review policy, oversee enforcement of agreed activities, allocate budget, work with UK bodies on reserved issues, collect and exchange information and ensure the active involvement of stakeholders at all levels. This body need not be a new quango, but could be drawn from existing Scottish Executive departments or agencies. It would be responsible to a nominated Scottish Minister who would lead on, champion and co-ordinate marine affairs within Government.

3. Effective Marine Spatial Planning - a hierarchy of plans and policies for Scotland's inshore seas managing the vast range of marine activities and the regulation of proposals for change.

4. Local management - delegating powers and putting in place structures for local decision-making, including input to spatial planning and resource management.

5. Adequate protection for marine species and habitats of national and international importance, encompassing a network of well-managed marine areas protected by law.

6. A duty of care on all bodies whose activities impact upon the marine environment - to protect, manage and enhance marine species, habitats and ecosystems.

Delivery of the above requires the collection and sharing of good marine information founded on robust science; excellent communication to aid sound decision-making, transparency and accountability and allocation of adequate resources to ensure the human and financial capacity is there to implement the marine strategy and spatial planning.

Scottish Environment LINK

Media release 5 January 2005

The Braer - 12 years and still waiting for better protection measures from shipping accidents

Almost 12 years ago to the day the Braer (1) tanker tanker carrying 85,000 tonnes of crude oil ran aground in hurricane force winds off the Shetland Islands. In the wake of the Braer oil spill, the Donaldson Inquiry (2) recommended that the most sensitive and environmentally valuable parts of our coastal seas should be identified as Marine Environment High Risk Areas (MEHRAs) in order to protect them from such disasters.

It now appears that the publication of the long over due report from the Department for Transport (DfT) containing its choices of Marine Environmental High Risk Areas is finally about to happen. Scottish Environment Groups hope that the report will identify sites in UK waters and will put forward management measures that will at last give much needed protection from the threat of shipping accidents.

"In 1993, the Shetland Islands got off lightly from the Braer spill, as most of the oil was swept out to sea - but we can't rely on fate alone to get us off the hook next time." said Helen McLachlan, Convener of the Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force (3).

Although less than one per cent of the Braer's load was washed ashore, the concentration in the sea was much higher. Inshore fisheries and salmon farms were badly affected, with oil concentrations up to 20,000 times higher than normal, and the harvests were lost. Fishing in the area was suspended for several weeks.

Fish, shellfish, marine mammals and various bird species were all affected by the spill. The Shetlands are known for their large colonies of birds, and many rare species stop there during migration. It is estimated that up to 32,000 birds could have perished because of the Braer oil spill.

NGOs including the Marine Conservation Society, WWF, Scottish Wildlife Trust, The National trust for Scotland and RSPB Scotland have since campaigned for the introduction of Marine Environmental High Risk Areas to protect fragile marine areas. In the meantime, pollution incidents at sea have continued to occur such as the Sea Empress in 1996 and Jambo in 2003.

It is anticipated that approximately 10% of the UK coastline will be selected as Marine Environment High Risk Areas4. However, NGOs are concerned that some of the UK's most sensitive coastal waters will be overlooked as the methodology developed for identifying MEHRAs in 1999 was flawed. Furthermore, the identification of the sites alone will be of little use unless effective measures are introduced to tackle the threats from marine accidents.

After a ten year wait for the selection of MEHRAs, they must:
1. include sites which give adequate cover to the UK's most precious
and sensitive marine sites e.g the Scilly Isles, St Kilda and the Minch;
2. include comprehensive management measures e.g. areas to be avoided
and vessel traffic separation schemes. Without effective management
measures the MEHRAs will be pointless;
3. include a tight action plan for implementation - we must not wait
another year.

"We will be looking very carefully at the forthcoming announcement and
report on MEHRAs and fully participating in the consultation regarding
the types of mitigation and management measures that could be
introduced at individual sites5." said Calum Duncan, Scottish Officer for the Marine Conservation Society.

Ends

[1] The MV Braer ran aground off the coast of Shetland on the 5 January 1993, spilling 85,000 tonnes of oil and killing some 5,000 seabirds. The Braer grounding could have been a much greater disaster. Breeding birds were away from Shetland, and the stormy weather dispersed the oil. However, oil has settled into the sediment in the Fair Isle Channel which means that the langoustine fishery has still not been re-opened. Much of the light crude oil the Braer was carrying dispersed quickly, but it is more toxic than the heavier crude oils which were carried by the Prestige and the Erika.

[2] The Donaldson Inquiry (May 1994) into the Braer spill made over 100 recommendations on improving shipping safety in the UK. However, since these recommendations were made there have been other disasters such as the MV Sea Empress which ran aground off Milford Haven 15 February 1996, not to mention those in European waters. In the meantime, although the majority of Lord Donaldson's proposals have been implemented, the introduction of MEHRAs remains an outstanding issue.

[3] Scottish Environment LINK (LINK) is an umbrella body for Scotland's voluntary environmental organisations representing approximately half a million members throughout Scotland. The LINK 'Marine Task Force' consists of the following environmental NGOs working on marine issues in Scotland:

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
Marine Conservation Society
National Trust for Scotland
RSPB Scotland Scottish Wildlife Trust
WWF Scotland
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

[4] How are MEHRAs identified? the identification of MEHRAs is developed on a risk assessment basis, which couples the sensitivity of the environment, natural resources such as fisheries and wildlife with the vulnerability (such as the level of tanker activity, navigational difficulties, type of cargo - oil or hazardous chemicals) of the areas to shipping activities. The UK has also taken into account economic and social sensitivity.

[5] What management measures can MEHRAs have?

Shipping and navigation mitigation measures include:

• traffic separation schemes;
• set shipping routes;
• deep water routes;
• areas to be avoided;
• compulsory pilotage;
• greater use of tugs and salvage tugs located at key coast points
• more oil pollution response equipment available;
• marking MEHRAs on navigational charts; and
• educating mariners about the marine environment.
  

Scottish Environment LINK

Media release 22 September 2004

Sustaining Scotland's Seas
A major parliamentary seminar on the future of Scotland's seas

In a major parliamentary seminar to be held today (Thursday 23rd September), Scotland's marine environment groups [1] and coastal community members [2] will be telling an audience of prominent MSPs and stakeholders why a radical new approach to looking after Scotland's seas is urgently needed.

Scotland's seas support 8,000 higher marine species and a myriad of habitats that underpin important economic and social activities: from recreational - diving, sailing, tourism and angling - to industrial - energy generation, oil extraction, shipping, aquaculture and fisheries. However, growing human pressures threaten the health of the sea, precious marine life and the livelihoods of those dependent upon it:

Helen McLachlan, Convener of the LINK Marine Task Force, said: Current management of the coasts and seas around Scotland is fragmented, outdated and unable to take account of local communities' connection with the sea. Several parts of Government deal with marine issues, yet there is no lead body, no overarching marine strategy and no underpinning primary legislation to streamline their work. The system is failing people and our marine environment. It is time to deliver truly sustainable management of our seas with local community involvement.

Only last week, the Prime Minister Tony Blair said 'I believe there are strong arguments for a new approach to managing our seas, including a new Marine Bill' [3].

The Scottish Executive has devolved control of certain matters within 12 nautical miles of shore - including inshore fisheries, aquaculture, coastal management, renewable energy, conservation, pollution, dumping and dredging, marine works and research. They are currently in the process of drafting a Strategic Framework for Scotland's Marine Environment [4] and are in an excellent position to help secure a sustainable future for Scotland's territorial seas (comprising 53% of Scotland's territorial area), many thousand kilometres of coast and the marine wildlife and coastal communities that rely upon them.

A rescue package for Scotland's seas is desperately needed and only a whole package underpinned by framework legislation, a Marine (Scotland) Act, will deliver healthy seas and safeguard the resources and communities that depend upon them [5]. By the end of today's seminar it is hoped that many MSPs will agree and help ensure the outcome of the recent consultation does all it can to secure a sustainable and healthy future for Scotland's seas.

ENDS

EDITOR'S NOTES

[1] Scottish Environment LINK (LINK) is an umbrella body for Scotland's voluntary environmental organisations representing approximately half a million members throughout Scotland. The LINK 'Marine Task Force' consists of the following environmental NGOs working on marine issues in Scotland:

British Association of Nature Conservationists
Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
Marine Conservation Society
National Trust for Scotland RSPB Scotland
Scottish Wildlife Trust
WWF Scotland
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

[2] Presentations supporting the LINK Marine Task Force position [5] will be made at the seminar by representatives of Sea Life Surveys in Mull and the Community of Arran Seabed Trust. Statements of support have also been provided by the Fair Isle Marine Environment and Tourism Initiative, Hebridean Marine National Park Partnership, Soil Association, Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, Sea Life Adventures and the British Sub-Aqua Club.

[3] At a UK level Labour have been committed to a marine bill for a few months. On Tuesday 14th September Tony Blair made his first public statement on the need for a marine bill whilst speaking on the need to tackle Climate Change at the 10th anniversary of His Royal Highness' Business and the Environment Programme.

[4] The 'Developing a Strategic Framework for Scotland's Marine Environment' consultation run by the Scottish Executive closed at the end of July 2004. The consultation offered stakeholders the opportunity to influence the development of this strategic framework which is currently being drafted.

[5] The Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force, and many coastal stakeholders, believe Scotland's coast and seas need an effective, co-ordinated marine management strategy based on an understanding of how ecosystems work. The only way we will get this is with fundamental reform of how we manage our seas, underpinning the whole package with new framework legislation for the marine environment, a Marine (Scotland) Act. The pieces of the package must include:

1. A Marine Strategy - for inshore seas and associated issues out to 12nm placing local stakeholders and the sea at the heart of decision-making and integrating with UK strategy to 200nm.
2. An identified lead body - a national decision-making 'body' to oversee marine strategic and spatial planning of devolved activities in Scottish waters in co-ordination with a UK body responsible for reserved matters. The Scottish body should have statutory responsibility for the preparation, implementation and evaluation of a marine strategy and spatial plan(s); powers to decide national priorities, co-ordinate sectoral activities, review policy, oversee enforcement of agreed activities, allocate budget, work with UK bodies on reserved issues, collect and exchange information and ensure the active involvement of stakeholders at all levels. This body need not be a new quango, but could be drawn from existing Scottish Executive departments or agencies. It would be responsible to a nominated Scottish Minister who would lead on, champion and co-ordinate marine affairs within Government.
3. Effective Marine Spatial Planning - a hierarchy of plans and policies for Scotland's inshore seas managing the vast range of marine activities and the regulation of proposals for change.
4. Local management - delegating powers and putting in place structures for local decision-making, including input to spatial planning and resource management.
5. Adequate protection for marine species and habitats of national and international importance, encompassing a network of well-managed marine areas protected by law.
6. A duty of care on all bodies whose activities impact upon the marine environment - to protect, manage and enhance marine species, habitats and ecosystems.

Delivery of the above requires the collection and sharing of good marine information founded on robust science; excellent communication to aid sound decision-making, transparency and accountability and allocation of adequate resources to ensure the human and financial capacity is there to implement the marine strategy and spatial planning.

Scottish Environment LINK

MEDIA RELEASE Monday 19th April 2004

Welcome news on the future of our seas

Today Scottish Environment LINK's Marine Task Force [1] welcomed the Scottish Executive's public consultation on how to improve management of Scotland's seas.

Scotland's seas support an amazing variety of marine species and habitats, from seabirds, dolphins and basking sharks to deepwater corals and rich estuaries [2]. They represent 75% of Scotland's jurisdictional area and are vital to the Scottish economy. Yet, current management of the seas around Scotland is fragmented and outdated [3].

Furthermore, the health of our seas is suffering from a wide range of problems, from overfishing and damage by the extraction industries, to pollution from shipping and pressures from recreation [4].

"We believe that a radical change is needed in the way we manage Scotland's seas and that the introduction of new primary legislation offers an effective means of achieving this" said Darren Kindleysides, convenor of Scottish Environment LINK's Marine Task Force. "The Scottish Executive obviously share our concerns about the future of our valuable marine resources and we applaud them for beginning this important initiative."

LINK's Marine Task Force is calling for new legislation, a 'Marine Act' for shorthand, to introduce the right mixture of powers and tools needed to manage Scotland's marine environment. This would include a long overdue strategy and planning framework for our seas. It would also allow us to balance the needs of the vast array of marine activities, from fishing and aquaculture to leisure activities and wildlife tourism and encourage the involvement of communities and the users of the sea in its management. Rather than adding a legislative burden to those using the sea, it would instead streamline the current confusion of marine legislation that exists and make it more effective.

"We are convinced that new legislation, such as a 'Marine Act', is essential if we are to achieve a sustainable future for Scotland's seas. Other strong seafaring countries such as Australia and Canada have successfully gone down this route - why not Scotland?" added Calum Duncan, Vice-convener of the LINK Marine Task Force.

"We hope that people will take the time to respond to this important consultation and voice their support for primary legislation so that we can secure a healthy and productive future not only for marine wildlife and habitats, but for the people of Scotland who make their living from the sea and the Scottish economy."

- ends -

notes

[1] Scottish Environment LINK (LINK) is the umbrella body for Scotland's voluntary sector environmental organisations which together represent around 500,000 members throughout Scotland. The LINK 'Marine Task Force' consists of the following environmental organisations working on marine issues in Scotland:

• British Association of Nature Conservationists
• Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
• Marine Conservation Society
• National Trust for Scotland RSPB Scotland
• Scottish Wildlife Trust
• WWF Scotland
• Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

[2] Scotland's seas support:
" 8,000 species of marine invertebrate, fish, bird and mammal (SNH)
" 24 of the world's 82 species of whale and dolphin (HWDT)
" internationally important seabed habitats including maerl, serpulid worm reefs and deepwater corals
" 33 of the UK's 65 marine Special Areas of Conservation
" 5.2 million breeding seabirds, outnumbering people (5.1 million at the 2001 census) [Seabird 2000 (published April 2004 - project partnership includes JNCC, SNH, RSPB, SOTEAG) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/marine/seabirds/seabird2000/ ]
" 60% of the UK fishery (Scottish Executive) and
" 32% of the global population of grey seals (Scottish Executive).

[3] Currently in Scotland, there is no lead marine body, no coherent marine planning framework and no marine strategy. Without these there is no means to ensure that our seas remain healthy and productive for future generations

Current legislation is fragmented, conflicting and does not support sustainable resource use. Over 85 Acts of Parliament and many separate bodies govern marine activities. Scottish, UK and international competencies are not linked. User groups compete for the same resources and in the meantime habitats and species are threatened while time and money is wasted

There is a lack of accountability. Common access to resources can mean irresponsible use. Currently there are no means of enabling equitable participation of interest groups or structures for local 'ownership' and management.

[4] Some pressures on Scotland's marine environment:

" 16 out of 21 Scottish fish stocks are outside their 'safe biological limits' - meaning their populations are in danger of never recovering. Scottish cod fishing could be up to five times more profitable if stocks were allowed to recover [Scottish Executive, 2003].

" Scots flush 340 million items of debris down the toilet every year. In Scotland in 2001, 14% of beach litter came from our own homes, twice the UK average [MCS Beachwatch 2001].

" Escapes of farmed salmon more than quadrupled between 1998 and 2000 (440,000 in 2000 compared to 95,000 in 1998). Farmed salmon escapes now outnumber wild salmon by more than 1000 to 1 [FoE, 2001]

" The estimated nutrient pollution discharged from Scottish fish farms in 2000 was equivalent to almost twice that of the annual sewage discharged by the entire population of Scotland [M.MacGarvin, 2000].

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