What progress has been made in relation to securing additional marine responsibilities out to 200 nautical miles, as supported by the Parli…

I am pleased to announce that Scotland will be granted executive devolution of marine planning and nature conservation out to 200 nautical miles. This follows the First Minister successfully pressing for the resurrection of the Joint Ministerial Committee as a formal mechanism for taking forward issues involving the UK Government and devolved administrations. Agreement has been reached on a framework for marine planning and nature conservation.
This will involve a coherent system of marine planning involving all parts of the UK. Scotland will participate in the development of a UK Marine Policy statement, which will provide a framework for the sustainable development of the UK Marine area. The Marine Policy Statement will guide marine planning and there will be a mechanism for Scottish ministers to decline to adopt a Marine Policy Statement. Additional marine planning and nature conservation powers including the powers to designate Marine Protected Zones will be executively devolved to Scottish ministers beyond 12nm to 200nm bringing these responsibilities into line with existing fisheries responsibilities. Scottish marine plans after agreement by the UK Government will be binding on UK bodies and departments exercising reserved functions. This provides the basis for a coherent system of marine management for the seas around Scotland joining up with the UK Government to provide an integrated framework to achieve a good outcome for Scotland''s seas.