Rural Affairs and Environment Cabinet Secretary, Richard Lochhead has unveiled proposals for Scotland's first Marine Bill, designed to balance conservation and economic growth in Scottish seas.

Speaking at the launch at the Storehouse of Foulis, near Inverness he said the plans outlined in the consultation document, Sustainable Seas For All would ensure a healthy future for Scotland's unique marine wildlife, including internationally important populations of seabirds while also giving marine industries a viable future.

Scotland's seas are among the most biologically productive in the world, containing over 40,000 species and internationally important populations of marine mammals and sea birds. They are also a major asset for Scotland and generate more than £2.2 billion for the Scottish economy. The Scottish Government has a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to protect the country's marine environment and should include tough measures to protect the seas around the country and the wildlife in them.

Proposals include:

• Improved conservation to ensure a healthy future for Scotland's unique marine wildlife, including internationally important populations of seabirds
• A new marine planning system and a streamlined licensing system to encourage economic investment in areas such as renewable energy
• Measures to ensure a viable future for Scotland's traditional and new marine industries
• The creation of 'Marine Scotland' combining the efforts of existing bodies to act as a champion for Scotland's seas

Read the document here