Scotland’s marine environment – the context
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cotland’s marine environment is exceptional and diverse. We have over 18,000km of coastline, in excess of 900 islands, and 61% (468,994km2) of the UK total sea area. The great variety of marine habitats is enriched by the meeting of warm water from the south with cold waters from the arctic leading to an amazing diversity of wildlife with over 6,500 species of animals and plants recorded. Our internationally important seabird populations are a good barometer of the overall health of these marine environments and some, like puffins and black-legged kittiwakes are in steep decline. Beyond the exceptionally diverse habitats and wildlife, Scotland’s seas provide vital natural services to society and make an important economic contribution including climate mitigation and adaptation, food provision, renewable energy, coastal defences, education, scientific discovery, wildlife and adventure tourism. Our coasts and seas create a sense of place and define the communities
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that live and work in these environments. But these benefits, and our wildlife and habitats, are under pressure. The main pressures were recently confirmed in a major global assessment of biodiversity carried out by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). These pressures include changes in the use of the seas; climate change impacts such as ocean acidification, deoxygenation, increase in sea level temperatures and sea level rise; pollution including marine plastics; exploitation of marine resources especially our fish stocks; and the spread of invasive non-native species. Some progress has been made towards the protection and management of Scotland’s marine environment through protected areas, coastal partnerships, marine spatial planning and sectoral plans for industries such as offshore wind. However, many of these protective measures, plans and
Bold leadership and actions must be taken to reverse the impact of the climate crisis on our seas and society SA U N D ER S
SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE
