Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government does not currently hold comprehensive data from tracking or monitoring technologies to measure the spatial extent and intensity of bottom-contact fishing activity across the under-12 metre fleet operating in inshore coastal waters.

Improving the availability of spatial fisheries data is a key commitment within the Scottish Government's Fisheries Management Strategy, including the increased use of inshore tracking devices (I-VMS) on under 12 metre vessels.

Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) systems support comprehensive fisheries data collection through the use of cameras, sensors and Global Positioning System technology to independently monitor fishing activity at sea. While REM is a key component of the Fisheries Management Strategy, the Scottish Government is taking a risk based and proportionate approach to its implementation, recognising that the technology is not necessary or appropriate for all vessel types and fisheries, and that alternative approaches, such as vessel tracking technologies, may in some cases provide the data required.

The consultation on proposed fisheries management measures for inshore Marine Protected Areas and Priority Marine Features will launch in the coming weeks.

Extensive engagement with all stakeholders has been undertaken throughout this process. We have worked closely with the fishing industry to refine the proposals and to understand the potential socio-economic impacts. This engagement will continue throughout the consultation period with 26 in person events across Scotland and 15 online sessions.

The Scottish Government is carefully considering the findings and recommendations of Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) contained in its report Protecting Scotland’s Seafloor: an assessment of Scottish Ministers’ implementation of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010, and will work constructively with ESS to seek to agree an appropriate action plan within the timescale suggested in the report.

The Scottish Government will set out its position on the report's findings and recommendations through that engagement and in its formal response, updating the Scottish Parliament as appropriate in this respect.

Environmental Standards Scotland's (ESS) report published on 23 June 2026, Protecting Scotland's seafloor: an assessment of Scottish Ministers' implementation of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010, contains ESS’ findings and recommendations relating to the Scottish Ministers’ implementation of those Regulations, including findings and recommendations regarding the contribution of measures in Part 3 of the UK Marine Strategy towards seafloor integrity objectives and targets.

The Scottish Government is carefully considering the ESS report and will work constructively with ESS to seek to agree an appropriate action plan within the timescale suggested in the report. The Scottish Government's position on the report's findings and recommendations will be set out through that engagement and in its formal response.

The latest assessment of Good Environmental Status in UK waters was published in 2026 in UK Marine Strategy Part One: Updated Assessment and Good Environmental Status. This assessment is published by the UK Government, working with the devolved authorities including the Scottish Government. The assessment concluded that Good Environmental Status for seafloor integrity had not yet been achieved across UK waters.

A copy of that assessment can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-strategy-part-one-update

The assessment does not indicate a particular date by which Good Environmental Status is expected to be achieved for sea floor integrity across UK waters. Progress towards Good Environmental Status is anticipated through continued implementation of the UK Marine Strategy Regulations 2010 which establish a cyclical process of assessment, target-setting, monitoring and programmes of measures.

The Scottish Government continues to work with the other governments of the UK, and internationally, to implement measures intended to improve the condition of benthic habitats and seafloor integrity and progress towards Good Environmental Status in UK waters.

Environmental Standards Scotland's (ESS) report published on 23 June 2026, Protecting Scotland's seafloor: an assessment of Scottish Ministers' implementation of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010, contains ESS’ findings and recommendations relating to the Scottish Ministers’ implementation of those Regulations, including regarding timescales for the implementation of measures specified in Part 3 of the UK Marine Strategy.

The Scottish Government is carefully considering the ESS report and will work constructively with ESS to seek to agree an appropriate action plan within the timescale suggested in the report. The Scottish Government's position on the report's findings and recommendations will be set out through that engagement and in its formal response.

The Scottish Government is carefully considering Environmental Standards Scotland’s (ESS) report Protecting Scotland’s Seafloor: as assessment of Scottish Ministers’ implementation of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010, and will work constructively with ESS to seek to agree an appropriate action plan within the timescale suggested in the report.

We expect all women giving birth in Scotland, including those living in rural and island communities, to be supported and safe. The recent Healthcare Improvement Scotland inspection of acute maternity services at the Balfour Hospital in NHS Orkney showcased many areas of good practice and highlighted the resilience and adaptability of island boards.

On the 11th of June, the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Care made a statement to Parliament setting out the plan for an independent Review of Maternity Services. The principles of this Review include a focus on: maternity services in rural and island areas across Scotland and the experiences of women living there. This review will be fast paced and forward looking.

I have also commissioned a survey of all remote, rural and island maternity services earlier this year. The responses from this, alongside national audit data, will form part of the Review and ensure future service provision takes into account the needs of those living in rural and island communities.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of healthy soils for food production, climate resilience, biodiversity and Scotland's wider natural capital. We are developing soil indicators and options for soil monitoring through the Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) Strategic Research Programme, including work towards a Scottish Soil Monitoring Framework. Proposals are also being developed for the next Strategic Research Programme (2027-2032) that will continue this work.

The Scottish Government remains committed to alignment with the European Union where possible and meaningful to do so. We are monitoring the implementation of the EU Soil Monitoring Law and will consider its provisions and underlying principles, alongside Scottish evidence and policy priorities, as we develop our approach to soil monitoring and assessment.

The Scottish Government recognises the challenges associated with emerging contaminants, including microplastics and pharmaceuticals, and intends to keep pace with developments in EU regulation.

Regulation of the practice of applying sewage sludge to land in Scotland was reviewed and amended with the introduction of the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025. No change to the list of regulated contaminants (“Potentially Toxic Elements”) was made at that time as evidence produced for the review did not support it. However, with the wider environment in mind, the Scottish Government is reviewing changes that the EU has recently made to the EU Priority Substance list under the Water Framework Directive; the contaminants PFAS, microplastics, bisphenol A and pharmaceutical products have all been added to the EU list for the regulation of the water environment.