SSMEI - News - Dec 06
5 December 2006
The Environment and Rural Development Committee invited the SSMEI pilots, including Berwickshire, to provide evidence for an inquiry into the management of the marine environment.
Background to the inquiry
There is an increasing political focus on the marine environment at present. This includes a range of initiatives aimed at developing a new statutory framework for the management of the marine environment. DEFRA consulted earlier in 2006 on proposals for a marine bill and is expected to produce a summary of responses in spring 2007. The consultation indicates that DEFRA and devolved administrations are working together on how to achieve an integrated approach, but that it will be for the devolved administrations to decide whether and how to take forward any of the issues in their own areas.
In Scotland there has been a range of sector-specific strategies and initiatives over recent years. The Executive also published a Scottish Marine Strategy "SEAS the Opportunity" in September 2005. It has now initiated a programme of work under a Ministerial advisory group (Advisory Group on Marine and Coastal Strategy, AGMACS) to build on existing initiatives, take forward projects outlined in the Marine Strategy and decide if anything further is needed. It is expected that the advisory group may conclude its work around the end of 2006, and that this should identify whether any of the elements of the strategy might require underpinning in new Scottish legislation.
The overall aim of the inquiry is to direct attention, both inside and outside the Parliament, to the important issues which need to be considered in managing the marine environment effectively.
The inquiry was held in January 2007. Written and oral evidence, including the SSMEI Berwickshire submission can be accessed.
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