MSPs debate coastal future plans

It is hoped there will be a regeneration of coastal areas

A conference at Holyrood has heard that there should be stricter monitoring of vessels at sea and more control over the growth of coastal industries.

The head of the European Commission's maritime taskforce was in Scotland to outline a green paper on future policy.

The meeting, which included fishermen and MSPs, marked the start of a year-long consultation on the document.

Holyrood's European and external relations committee said it was vital that Scotland's views be heard.

Its convener, Linda Fabiani, said Scotland had more than 6,000 miles of coastline and 790 islands, with 70% of people living within 6.2 miles (10km) of the sea.

The SNP MSP said: "That really brings it home to you how important this is.

"And it's important Scotland gets its place in any policy, because there might be issues which are relevant to Scotland which aren't relevant elsewhere."

Coastal industry representatives met at Holyrood

John Richardson, of the European maritime task force, told delegates that Europe was suffering from "sea blindness" - an inability to grasp the huge potential of the sea and instead was polluting it.

He said radical questions need to be asked, for instance about how fish are caught and whether the rules are being obeyed:

The EC green paper has suggested an electronic tracking system for all vessels at sea.

It also calls for member states to ensure new coastal industries, such as wind, wave and tidal power and carbon capture, will not pollute the sea or spoil coastal communities and tourism.

It calls for the regeneration of coastal communities and initiatives that make better use of the sea.

Environment Minister Ross Finnie also spoke at the conference.

The Scottish Parliament's European and external relations committee, which helped organise the event with Scotland Europa, may now submit its own response to the EC's consultation.