SCOTTISH Environment LINK, a campaign group with over 30 member bodies representing a broad spectrum of environmental interests, today released an independent scientific report on the historic decline of species in Scotland's seas.

They also called for the Marine (Scotland) Act to contain strong measures to reverse species declines - not just to protect what is left.

The report, entitled ‘Recovering Scotland's Marine Environment’ was prepared for LINK by the Scottish Association for Marine Science at Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory in Argyll - and highlights case studies of the historic decline of species such as herring, native oyster, fan shell, skates and rays, maerl and cod. It also highlights positive examples of recovery such as those in the Clyde estuary.

Commenting on the report, Calum Duncan, Convener of LINK's Marine Task Force said: "If we want to see sustainable and growing industries based in the seas around Scotland - and to support the future of the communities around our coasts - we have to improve the quality of the marine environment.

“This report contains conclusive evidence that we have been going in the opposite direction for too many years and decades. On the basis of this evidence LINK calls for clear assurances, from all political parties, that the central purpose of the Marine Bill before the Scottish Parliament will be to make our seas more healthy and full of life - and therefore more valuable."

Becky Boyd, Vice-Convener of the Task Force added: "The Marine Bill needs, at its core, to contain a serious commitment to a process of reversing the damage we have done to our seas. Planning systems and Marine Protected Areas are very welcome, but the legislative driver must be more than just protecting what remains of our marine life. We must use this opportunity to start the process of restoring the riches of our seas."

LINK has been encouraged by and welcomed the Stage 1 Report in the Scottish Parliament where the Rural Affairs & Environment Committee stated that the Bill must "place a duty on the Scottish Ministers and all relevant public bodies, when exercising functions, to have regard to the need to maintain and improve the health of the Scottish marine area".