The Scottish Government has contacted local authorities regarding Scotland's first National Marine Plan (NMP).

It has also put forward proposals for new conservation Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

The National Marine Plan aims to provide a single framework to guide sustainable use and development of Scotland's seas.

In response to the plan, Argyll and Bute Council said it supported the objectives and policies to ensure a sustainable development of key economic growth sectors, such as aquaculture, fishing and marine renewables. Subsequently, the local authority has said this will create further job creation among its communities.

In relation to a new network of nature conservation MPAs, it is hoped to increase protection for the country's marine habitats and species.

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Five inshore areas of Argyll and Bute have been included in the consultation – Upper Loch Fyne and Loch Goil, Loch Sween, Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura, Loch Creran and the Clyde Sea Sill – as well as two areas located close to Argyll and Bute – the Loch Sunart and South Arran.

Policy Lead for Sustainable Environment, Renewables and Strategic Tourism, Councillor Vivien Dance, said: "It was reassuring to see that the vision, objectives, challenges, and policy guidance detailed in the draft plan are consistent with the council's current policy and priorities and we have made a number of recommendations to further improve the policy framework, which will provide greater clarity and consistency between marine and terrestrial policy.

"While the council welcomes the ambitious set of objectives and priorities identified in the NMP, it does have concerns over whether Marine Scotland will be able to effectively implement and monitor the plan and oversee the development of regional marine planning within existing resources and we will continue to engage in discussions on such matters.

"Regarding the proposed MPAs, while the council supports the principles of MPAs, it is vitally important that the right balance is struck between environmental protection and socio-economic impact on marine activities and coastal communities and we will continue to highlight our concerns to Marine Scotland."

(JP/CD)