20 February, 2007

NEW ways of planning how Scotland's coastline and inshore waters are developed will bring "real benefits" to the marine environment, a minister claimed yesterday (Monday).

The Scottish Executive's Advisory Group on Marine and Coastal Strategy (AGMACS) has been looking for a marine planning system to manage the sea in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

Yesterday environment and rural development minister Ross Finnie addressed these issues at the marine environment conference in Aberdeen.

"There is a huge amount of interest, activity and diversity in our coasts and seas. We need to work together and respond to the challenges ahead to safeguard our seas and coastal waters," Mr Finnie said.

"Changing the way we plan our marine activity could bring real benefits to users of the marine environment. There is a strong emerging consensus from the AGMACS group that we need to establish a new system of marine spatial planning in Scotland.

"Any new system would need to be integrated with potential UK and European marine planning systems. A more integrated approach would reduce uncertainty, support sustainable use and bring real benefits to all users of the marine and coastal environment."

The full AGMACS recommendations are to be published next month.