20 June, 2007

ENVIRONMENT secretary Richard Lochhead yesterday (Tuesday) said the executive were committed to introducing a Scottish Marine Bill.

Speaking at the Oceans '07 conference in Aberdeen, Mr Lochhead called for a simpler regulatory system for the marine environment; more action on marine nature conservation; a strategic national approach and greater local control over marine and coastal areas.

He said: "There are dozens of pieces of legislation from three different parliaments that regulate Scotland's waters, which makes the area overly cluttered.

"I hope to announce plans for a new single piece of streamlined legislation to protect marine and coastal environments soon.

"The case for integrated legislation for Scotland's marine environment has been made. It's time to rise to the challenge of managing our seas in a manner fit for the 21st Century, for the benefit of Scotland's people, Scotland's communities, and for Scotland's generations to come."