New future for Scotland's seas

Proposals in’ Sustainable Seas For All - A Consultation On Scotland's First Marine Bill’ included improved conservation to ensure a healthy future for Scotland's unique marine wildlife; A new marine planning system and a streamlined licensing system to encourage economic investment in areas such as renewable energy; And moreover, measures to ensure a viable future for Scotland's traditional and new marine industries.Launching the consultation at the Storehouse of Foulis, near Inverness, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:"In the 21st century, we need to ensure that we have arrangements in place to provide a sustainable future for our marine environment and the many industries that depend on productive and healthy seas."Striking the right balance between the long-term viability and growth of all these industries and the enhanced protection of our special marine environment is at the heart of our proposed Bill.”He added that many communities around Scotland's coasts depend on fishing and fish farming, which together account for 60 per cent of all food exports from Scotland with a value of £422 million.