A new round of funding to support fishing businesses and wider marine organisations in coastal communities is open for applications. Now in its second year, the Marine Fund Scotland has an overall budget of up to £14 million. It was introduced by the Scottish Government to replace the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, which UK […]
Communities, groups and individuals are being invited to share their views in a consultation on the creation of Scotland’s first new National Parks in almost 20 years. The Scottish Government committed to establish at least one new National Park in Scotland by the end of this Parliamentary session in 2026, as part of the Bute […]
Climate change has caused a rapid warming of Scottish lochs and reservoirs, according to new research reported by the BBC, the Independent and Scottish Government. A report by Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters (Crew) found that 97% had seen an increase in temperature between 2015 and 2019. The researchers have warned that the changes […]
Blue Economy Vision for Scotland launched: Scottish Government news release: Move to make Scotland a global leader in marine management. Scotland’s ambition for a world-leading ‘Blue Economy’ has been set out in a vision document. The Blue Economy is sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health […]
Views on a draft future catching policy are being sought along with plans to roll-out Remote Electronic Monitoring systems for boats fishing in Scottish waters. The proposals include: Additional technical and spatial management measures to reduce catches of unwanted fish and support the fishing industry to avoid bycatch of sensitive marine species such as seabirds, […]
The Scottish Government is consulting on new priority actions to tackle marine litter in Scotland. Responses to the consultation will inform the final updated Marine Litter Strategy and action plan before it is published. This consultation is one of the final stages in the process of updating the Marine Litter Strategy for Scotland. A large […]
The EU Bathing Waters Directive, includes a requirement to monitor water quality at locations popular with large numbers of bathers and to take steps to improve water quality where the necessary standards are not met. This year the Scottish Government consider that restrictions on movement and physical distancing guidance need to be taken into account […]
Bob Earll: The issue of mechanical kelp harvesting in Scotland has become a very high profile controversy over the last six months. The links below highlight the current decision by the Scottish Parliament. Whilst it has been cast as a classic protection versus management issue, the reality is that in many ways it has been […]