Scottish Marine Bill
A Marine Bill for Scotland
A Scottish Marine Bill is a unique opportunity to stop the deterioration of Scottish seas.
After receiving a record response to our action alert asking MSPs to vote in favour of a crucial amendment to the Scottish Marine Bill, we are delighted to report that this amendment was voted through unanimously by MSPs at the final debate on the bill on Thursday 4 February.
The amendment means that there is now a duty on ministers to protect and enhance Scotland’s seas, which together with duties to deliver marine planning, environmental targets and a network of marine protected areas, means that there is now real hope that our seas can be returned to a healthy state for the long-term benefit of marine wildlife, coastal communities and all who enjoy the food, recreation and energy it provides.
This marks the end of a decade-long campaign for a Scottish Marine Bill by the Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force, represented by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, the National Trust for Scotland, the Marine Conservation Society, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and WWF Scotland.
Thank you to everyone who has helped us win this campaign. We now look forward to making sure the legislation is robustly implemented and will keep you updated of how you can help us to do so.
