Marine Scotland to manage marine interests

Marine Scotland, which will be up and running by April 1, will play a key role in managing Scotland's seas, with direct responsibility for marine science, planning, policy development, management and compliance monitoring measures.

It will work with other partners with marine interests to deliver economic prosperity - including in developing areas such as marine renewables - and environmental sustainability.The current functions of Fisheries Research Services (FRS), the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) and the Scottish Government's Marine Directorate will be brought together in the new organisation.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said:

"We have been clear from day one that our underlying key purpose is that of sustainable economic growth.

"The creation of Marine Scotland will help deliver this vision, managing Scotland's seas for prosperity and environmental sustainability. Marine Scotland will be the champion for our marine environment.”

He also said the Scottish Government would shortly bring forward a Marine Bill that will build on existing arrangements to provide the foundations for Marine Scotland's work.