Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22581 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.

Marine Scotland Science has close working relationships with the fishing industry established under the former Scottish Government agency, Fisheries Research Services. Regular meetings are held with fishermen''s representative organisations including the Scottish Fishermen''s Federation to discuss matters of mutual interest. This includes regular meetings on scientific advice and the Scottish Industry Science Partnership. These arrangements will continue within Marine Scotland.

We believe there are significant benefits overall in the creation of Marine Scotland.

We recognise and have acknowledged, nonetheless, the need for reassurance about transparency and independence in relation to science and enforcement issues. As we have made clear in announcing and setting out our plans for Marine Scotland, we propose measures to address these issues “ including through the likes of the planned Science Advisory Board and by ensuring appropriate operating arrangements and responsibilities.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22745 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.

Scottish ministers intend that there should be a close and harmonious relationship between Marine Scotland and the proposed Scottish Marine Regions. The Marine (Scotland) Bill sets out proposals for the designation of Scottish Marine regions and the delegation of functions.

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.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-21911 on 23 March 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-22739 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 Scottish Government has as its overall purpose to focus government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. This will deliver the principles of sustainable development.

A key focus of proposals under the marine planning system is to ensure that Scotland''s marine and coastal environment is clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse to meet the long term needs of people, nature and marine industries. Scottish ministers intend that there will be a national marine plan for Scotland which will set out policies and priorities for the sustainable use, development, management and protection of Scotland''s seas and that Scotland will contribute to a UK Marine Policy Statement. The marine planning framework will make provision to set objectives which would be founded on the guiding principles of sustainable development.

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.