SCOTTISH ministers are preparing to open up a new front in their battle with Westminster – this time over control of the seas.
Richard Lochhead, the environment secretary, told MSPs that he believed Holyrood should be in charge of the marine environment around Scotland's coast, and he would lobby Westminster to achieve it.
The Scottish Government has power over an area 12
miles out from the coast. Mr Lochhead wants that to be extended up to 200 miles out.
Last year, The Scotsman launched a "Save our Seas" campaign, calling for the creation of a network of reserves and protected areas around the coast, a system of marine planning to organise human activity and for control of conservation of the sea to be devolved to Scotland.
Yesterday, opening a debate on the management of the seas, Mr Lochhead said: "Everyone I have spoken to in Scotland believes most decisions in the seas around Scotland, that affect Scottish interests, should be taken in Scotland."
And with the Scottish Government committed to bringing forward a Marine Bill, he said: "That's why we will reiterate our support for Scotland's bill to apply out to 200 miles, rather than an artificial 12-mile boundary. We will support our coastal communities, our industries, including our fishermen, environmental organisations and others by continuing to put the case to the UK government.
There are also plans for a Marine Bill at Westminster, but Mr Lochhead argued that Scotland had its own "unique challenges and opportunities".
He told MSPs: "Scottish waters are different, and we are pressing the UK to respect subsidiarity to ensure that decisions are taken at the right level and as close to home as possible."
Mr Lochhead also stressed the need for new legislation over the marine environment, explaining that there were currently more than 85 laws and acts from Europe, Westminster and Scotland that apply to the seas.
Labour's rural affairs spokeswoman, Sarah Boyack, stressed the need for a partnership approach between governments.
She said the Scottish Government should "work constructively" with the UK government and also other authorities, such as the Northern Ireland Assembly, on the issue.
The Liberal Democrat environment spokesman, Mike Rumbles, said Holyrood should have complete control over marine conservation.
The Greens' leader, Robin Harper, said the introduction of a Marine Bill was overdue."Scotland's seas have been abused and neglected far too long," he said.
MSPs voted to welcome a commitment to consult on proposals for marine planning, conservation and sea fisheries. The motion was passed by 111 votes in favour to none against, with 14 abstentions.
The full article contains 439 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
