The next few months offer a "unique opportunity" to devolve marine conservation powers to Scotland, according to SNP MSP Maureen Watt.

Convener of the Rural Affairs Committee Maureen Watt has called for Parliament to debate the devolution of marine conservation policy to Holyrood as part of the current Marine Bill.

Ms Watt has also written to the UK Government urging them to include devolution of marine conservation in a UK Marine bill currently in the House of Commons.

The call follows recommendations from the Calman Commission that marine nature conservation should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament "at the earliest possible opportunity".

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Scottish Environment LINK has called on the UK Government to use the "unique opportunity" provided by UK and Scottish marine legislation to see marine conservation policy devolved immediately.

The timing of the two bills creates the perfect opportunity to devolve marine powers, without requiring further legislation.

Ms Watt has now lodged a motion for debate in the Scottish Parliament and is urging members from all parties to support it.

Commenting Ms Watt said: "Devolving responsibility for marine conservation to Holyrood makes clear sense, given that the Scottish Parliament is already responsible for so many other aspects of what goes on in the waters off our coast.

"The two bills currently in progress, one in Scotland and one in Westminster offer a prime opportunity for the UK Government to clear up this anomaly within months.

"The Scottish and UK Governments have agreed to devolve marine planning without the need for steering groups or Commissions. We should now see the same swift action taken to devolve marine conservation."

(GK/JM)