In a briefing event for journalists and policymakers on Wednesday, environmental and community groups jointly criticised the Scottish government’s slow progress on marine protection.
The event was hosted by Scottish Environment LINK, a coalition of over 40 environmental groups, and Coastal Communities Network, a coalition of over 30 community-led groups that support action to restore Scotland’s marine environment.
Scotland’s seas are in poor and declining health. High-impact forms of fishing, including trawling, have been very damaging to marine ecosystems, with many species in long-term steep decline. In 2024 alone, five species of seabird were added to the UK Red List of Conservation Concern.
Healthy seas are crucial to coastal communities who rely on industries like fishing and wildlife tourism. And they’re key to tackling climate change, as marine ecosystems can store vast amounts of carbon.
Esther Brooker, Marine Policy and Engagement Officer at Scottish Environment LINK, said:
“Scotland’s seas are suffering under the weight of government inaction. The sustained degradation to our marine environment is taking place amidst a backdrop of continued government delays on promised and long expected marine protection measures.
“Scotland’s existing network of marine protected areas have been lacking the necessary detailed protection measures promised by the Scottish government for over ten years, and we are increasingly concerned that these measures will not be delivered within the current parliamentary session.
“Delivering proper protections for Scotland’s marine protected area network is a crucial first step that must now be taken before it’s too late. This should be followed by a transition to a new approach to fishing and other marine industries, in which the use of all of Scotland’s seas is planned and managed in a way that enables marine ecosystems to recover and supports sustainable fishing opportunities and coastal communities.”
Sarah Doherty, Coordinator of the Coastal Communities Network said:
“Scotland’s seas are in dire straits, and we need urgent and radical action to protect and restore our marine ecosystems. This action needs to place coastal communities at its core.
“The Scottish Government have committed to supporting community leadership in marine management, and we need to see them act on this. There is huge potential and appetite for communities to have increased leadership in how their local marine areas are managed, but this also needs to be met and supported at a government level.
“All along the coasts of Scotland, communities are stepping up to restore and protect their local marine environments. Done properly, sustainable marine management can protect our seas and support livelihoods, ensuring that coastal communities are resilient and sustained in the long term.”