Scotland’s Marine Bill yesterday received Royal Assent, marking a major turning point in safeguarding the future of Scotland seas and laying the foundations for a more simplified marine planning and licensing system.

The Marine (Scotland) Act  introduces a duty to protect and enhance the marine environment and includes measures to help boost economic investment and growth in areas such as marine renewables.

The bill’s main measures include a National Marine Plan to give greater clarity to decision-making in the marine environment and encourage investment; a simpler licensing system to cut bureaucracy and introduce efficiencies to encourage economic investment and growth; new powers to select and manage Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to enhance marine biodiversity and preserve historic assets; and improved protection for seals, including a comprehensive licence system and tougher penalties for those who harm them.

The powers in the Act complement the provisions of the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, which created new responsibilities for Scottish ministers on marine planning and conservation in offshore waters outside 12 nautical miles.

Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland’s seas are home to some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife and habitats, and have the potential to power our nation through wind and wave and create tens of thousands of new jobs. We have reached a turning point and must modernise in order to meet increasing and competing demands on our seas.”

New conservation powers will enable Scottish ministers to designate MPAs to help support the conservation of important marine life, historic MPAs to protect historically important sites such as wrecks or national monuments, and demonstration and research MPAs, to demonstrate new methods of managing Scotland’s unique marine environment.

Mr Lochhead  said: “Marine Protected Areas will help us to protect important marine habitats and species and we will work closely with others to ensure that the site selection process is underpinned by sound scientific advice. These new powers will also allow us to be more joined-up with our crucial fisheries industry.”

All Scottish MPA proposals will be established using science-based selection criteria, or equivalent information on features of historical importance. However, social and economic impacts will be taken into account where two or more alternative sites equally meet the scientific criteria and when making decisions concerning the management of specific sites. As such, additional data from sea users will need to be gathered to ensure the development of an effective network of MPAs across Scotland’s seas.

Mr Lochhead added: “Improved planning and licensing will support the development of renewable marine energy. We owe it to future generations to ensure our seas are managed and harvested sustainably. Economic growth is vital, but it should be balanced with protection for our stunning marine environment.”

Under the bill it will become an offence to kill or take any seal at any time, except under specific licence or for animal welfare reasons. Restrictions on shooting seals will be extended to apply throughout the year. There will be additional protection for seals against harassment at major haul-outs.