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Allan welcomes new law over coast and sea          5/2/10

►Fish Farms planning permission stays with council

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed the passing of the Scottish Marine Bill in the Scottish Parliament.

Alasdair Allan commented: "The Scottish Government has delivered a Marine Bill which will benefit Scotland's seas, all who rely on them, and the environment.

"This follows the Scottish Government successfully reaching agreement

with the UK Government to devolve to Scotland the responsibilities for

all planning and marine conservation issues in Scottish seas, up to a

distance of 200 nautical miles, compared to the current 12.

"There are a number of good economic reasons for a new Act. But perhaps the most immediate and practical argument for a Bill is that it will

overhaul and consolidate a complete mess of around 80 Acts which

regulate Scotland's seas at the moment.

“By consolidating all these areas of legislation into the one bill we will hopefully bring real cohesion to an area of regulation vital for the economy and environment of Scotland, and the Western Isles in particular."

Main measures in the Bill, passed by MSPs yesterday, include:

   *      A National Marine Plan to give greater clarity to decision making in the marine environment and encourage investment

   * A simpler licensing system to cut bureaucracy and introduce efficiencies to encourage economic investment and growth

   * New powers to select and manage Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to enhance marine biodiversity and preserve historic assets

   * an offence to kill or take any seal at any time, except under specific licence or for animal welfare reasons. Restrictions on shooting seals will be extended to apply throughout the year.

    * New responsibilities for safeguarding the health of all Scottish waters out to 200 nautical miles (nm) - in addition to responsibility for marine planning out to 200 miles.