Scotland's Marine Environment - the context

Bold leadership and actions must be taken to reverse the impact of the climate crisis on our seas and society

Scotland’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 that live and work in these environments. But these benefits, and our wildlife and habitats, are under pressure.

Maerl beds.

© Graham Saunders

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 partnerships have only been partially implemented leaving our marine environment vulnerable to changes.

Located in North Berwick on the edge of the Firth of Forth, our Centre is uniquely placed to highlight the diversity and benefits of Scotland’s marine environment, the pressures on it and to support policy and practice that helps protect these environments now and for future generations. We live in a time of unprecedented political, economic, environmental and social change and so we know that we will need to be flexible in our approach. We may need to adjust our activities to respond to new issues or opportunities as these arise. Nonetheless, this plan gives a strong sense of the direction we plan to take over the next 5 years. Whilst continuing to invest in and offer a well-respected tourism experience, that positively contributes to visitors’ experience in North Berwick, we will also develop our conservation and education activities making these accessible for all. The challenges are immense and will require collaborative partnerships across Government, the private and the voluntary sector – we will lead and support these partnerships at community, regional or national level as appropriate.

The Bass Rock just off the coast of North Berwick is the world's largest northern gannet colony.