The Act will not only help meet the long term needs of nature and the public, but also provide the hugely important legal mechanism for the designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These new measures will be used to protect the UK's diverse and biologically rich marine environment and help enhance its reputation as a world-leader in marine environmental protection.

Scotland's seas are unique to the UK and Europe, hosting a range of nationally important marine features; from habitats such as coldwater coral reefs and seamounts, to species including many commercially important fish; 36% of the world's population of grey seals; the most northerly resident population of bottlenose dolphins; minke whales and most of the UK's reported sightings of basking shark. Site based protection measures exist for some of these features through Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), designated under the EC Habitats Directive. However, new legislation was required to designate Marine Protected Areas for other remaining features that are of nature conservation importance, such as the flameshell, northern sea fan, common skate
and burrowing anemone.

The UK Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 provides the necessary framework for Scottish Ministers to manage human activities in our marine environment in a sustainable manner. In particular, the Act enables Scottish ministers to designate MPAs in Scottish offshore waters (beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast) for the conservation of important marine habitats and species. The Scottish government is working closely with the Joint Nature Conservation
Committee (JNCC) to ensure that the site selection process is underpinned by sound scientific advice.

Marcus Yeo, managing director of JNCC, said: 'Scotland is endowed with a wealth of marine life and natural features which require safeguarding for future generations. JNCC is looking forward to working in partnership with Scottish government and Scottish Natural Heritage to identify a range of MPAs that will support the conservation of these vitally important natural assets.
'Scottish government is taking further measures to ensure that inshore waters around Scotland (within 12 nautical miles from the coast) are also afforded targeted protection. The Marine (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced to Scottish parliament on 29 April 2009, includes new powers to designate MPAs in Scottish inshore waters.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will make recommendations to the Scottish government about new MPAs within inshore waters.

Scottish government will work with JNCC and SNH to enable Scottish Ministers to contribute to international efforts to develop MPA networks and protect important marine features in Scottish waters.

Cabinet secretary for rural affairs and the environment, Richard Lochhead said: 'Our waters are home to some of the most spectacular wildlife and marine habitats on the planet. They also make a huge contribution to the economy through industries such as fishing. The powers in the UK Act delivered to Scotland are an important part of our new system for managing our seas for current and future generations. Together with the powers in our own Scottish Marine Bill they will enable Scotland to develop a network of MPAs and contribute to international efforts to protect marine biodiversity.

'In recognition of the important contribution marine industries and activities can make to Scotland's future, Scottish government will take measures to further ensure that the sea users are involved in developing recommendations on the establishment of MPAs.'

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