The aim of the Bill is to create a framework to manage growing and competing demands for the use of marine resources in the seas around Scotland, balancing environmental and socio-economic considerations to maximise economic growth within sustainable environmental limits" the Bill will:
- Create a statutory marine planning framework with distinct national and regional structures;
- Facilitate streamlining of marine licensing and marine consents and therefore a reduction in regulatory burden;
- Contain provisions for the establishment of Marine Protected Areas and the introduction of Marine Conservation Orders as appropriate for the management of the Areas;
- Repeal the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 and introduce a license regime appropriate for the management of seals in Scottish waters;
- Provide for a range of common enforcement powers applicable to both the enforcement of licensing and conservation; and
- Contain provisions to allow the Scottish Ministers to make orders or regulations under the Act.
Rural Affairs and Environment Committee has issued a call for views, inviting individuals and interested parties to submit views on the Bill in writing. The Committee is interested to hear the views of all organisations, bodies and individuals on the proposals contained within the Bill and their likely impact. Comments do not have to cover all aspects of the Bill, only those proposals which are of interest or concern. The closing date for written submissions is Thursday 11 June 2009. Ideally submissions should not exceed four sides of A4. paper. The Committee expects to take oral evidence during May, June and September 2009.
We believe it is perfectly possible to protect farmed fish, without killing wildlife, including seals. Unfortunately, all too often a bullet is preferred as the cheaper option. It is important that members and organisations submit view which is opposed to the shooting of seals in
For further information contact Andy Ottaway, The Seal Protection Action Group. Address: PO Box
2673, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5BZ,