A plan that will shape the national objectives and policies surrounding Scotland's coastal and marine management is now out for consultation.

Creation of the National Marine Plan is a major component of the Marine (Scotland) Act and will, for the first time, set out national strategy.

It will aim to ensure sustainable economic growth of marine industries, while taking the environment into account, and will set out policies including economic, social and marine ecosystem objectives.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead commented: "A pre-consultation draft of the National Marine Plan is now available. Over the next 12 weeks we will be seeking views on this document as the first stage in delivering the final plan in 2012. The significance of the Marine Plan is immense. It will cover reserved as well as devolved issues and contain targets for the next five, 10 and 40 years in key areas such as renewable energy, fishing, aquaculture, conservation, recreation and tourism, ports and harbours and shipping.


"Scotland's seas are special. They are among the most biologically productive in the world and contain more than 40,000 species. The National Marine Plan will deliver the means for thoughtful stewardship of this unique asset."

The newly published Marine Atlas for Scotland provides a unique evidence base on the marine environment and activity and will support the Plan.

To aid the pre-consultation process a Sustainability Assessment (including a strategic environment assessment) will go out along with the pre-consultation draft of the Plan.

(JG)