Chamber and committees

Science is central to our aspirations for marine management in Scotland, and to the role and responsibilities of Marine Scotland. We believe there are benefits for marine management in integrating science with policy development, delivery and other functions so that informed, holistic advice can be provided and appropriate, informed decisions can be made. There are also efficiency and value for money benefits for Scotland.

We also recognise the importance of assuring scientific objectivity and credibility within the new arrangements and, to that end, will be appointing a panel of independent experts to a Science Advisory Board to assure the quality and independence of science.

The Scottish Government is encouraged to note that more consumers are now considering animal welfare issues when making purchasing decisions.

Membership of an Inshore Fisheries Group (IFG) is open to commercial fishermen who operate in the IFG area. An IFG must liaise with all relevant stakeholders, such as recreational sea anglers and conservation groups, as it develops its management plan. Where locally appropriate we would expect these interests to be included formally within the IFG''s Advisory Group, which exists to provide expert advice to the IFG and to provide the necessary checks and balances to ensure robust management plans that accord with wider environmental, social, economic and management objectives.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S3W-22869 on 8 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22772 on 8 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

It is for the director and senior management team of Marine Scotland to manage its overall budget, including across the range of its functions, in the light of demands, priorities and other circumstances.

No appointments to the Science Advisory Board have yet been made.

The Marine (Scotland) Bill includes proposed provisions for the delegation of regional marine planning to a lead authority or a group of nominated stakeholders. The delegates will be referred to as Marine Planning Partnerships.

A Marine Planning Partnership will be responsible for marine planning and integrated coastal zone management in a marine region which will involve consultation and interaction with coastal communities.

The Marine (Scotland) Bill includes proposals for powers for Scottish ministers to create Scottish Marine Regions.

We will take steps to set up Scottish Marine regions after appropriate legislation is in place.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22738 on 8 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The proposals in the Marine (Scotland) Bill do not provide for the structure of Marine Scotland.