Scottish Parliament votes for a strong Scottish Marine Bill
After receiving a record response to our Scottish action alert asking MSPs to vote in favour of a crucial amendment to the Scottish Marine Bill – 1,066 people sent 6,710 messages - we are delighted to report that this amendment was voted through unanimously by MSPs at the final debate on the bill on Thursday 4 February.
Thanks to your support, on the face of the Scottish Marine Bill there is now a duty on Scottish Ministers to protect and, where appropriate, enhance the health of Scotland’s seas. Together with duties to deliver marine planning, environmental targets in plans and a network of marine protected areas that also contributes to the UK network, there is now real hope that Scotland’s seas can be returned to a healthy state for the long-term benefit of marine wildlife, coastal communities and all who enjoy the food, recreation and energy our seas provide. We look forward to the bill receiving Royal Assent and making sure it is robustly implemented, particularly when delivering marine protected areas. If you know of anywhere in Scotland that you think should be protected, please visit www.yourseasyourvoice.com.
See also www.savescottishseas.org
MCS in Scotland is co-ordinating the joint Scottish Environment LINK campaign for a Marine (Scotland) Bill to protect and recover Scotland’s seas. This campaign is funded by the Tubney Charitable Trust and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
