Response to the National Marine Plan pre-consultation

LINK’s Marine Taskforce believes the purpose of the marine planning system should be the achievement of Good Environmental Status and the protection, and where appropriate, enhancement (or regenerationof marine ecosystems. Such an approach is consistent with s3 and s5(3)(b) of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (herein referred to as ‘the Act’). We continue to believe the 12 principles of the ecosystem approach and operational guidance as developed under the Convention of Biological Diversity should be adopted. We understand the Plan is at a very early stage of development and appreciate the intention to publish this pre-consultation draft in order to start the process.