In Scotland, the coasts and seas provide food, energy sources (wind, wave and tidal power, minerals and fossil fuels), routes and harbours for shipping, tourism and recreational opportunities and sites of cultural and historical interest. They also contain distinctive and important habitats and support a diverse range of species which we need to protect, conserve and enhance. These all need to be managed effectively.
The introduction of the Marine (Scotland) Act means better management of the competing demands on marine resources is key and Marine Scotland is involved at three levels: