An atlas of Scotland’s seas – with visual representation of its competing uses, productivity and health – has been compiled for the first time. The Marine Atlas will inform key planning decisions in Scottish waters while providing everyone with an accessible and detailed insight into the geography and vast richness of Scotland’s seas.
It has been developed by a wide range of partners and provides an unparalleled level of analysis of a country’s marine environment. This unique resource is being made freely available online so that anyone with an interest in the varied waters around Scotland’s shores can find out more.
In addition school packs have been developed, including two hard copies of the atlas for every secondary school, colourful posters and an accompanying DVD. Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
“Scotland’s seas are a precious resource that, as a nation, we must treasure. That’s why we have developed the Marine Atlas, a world-leading resource that draws together a vast array of information to enable an accurate picture to be built up of the complex interactions taking place, region by region, throughout Scottish waters.
“The Atlas explores the state of marine life and biodiversity; how competing pressures on an area have an impact; the economic contributions of fishing, marine energy, telecommunications and leisure activities; the effects of climate change; and the environmental legacy of Scotland’s industrial past.
“The uses of the Marine Atlas are as diverse as its contents. It will ensure that informed marine management decisions can be made by planners. It gives pupils a fantastic tool for growing their knowledge of ours seas and the rich contribution – environmental and economic – they make to Scotland. And as an easily accessed and free website, many people in this country and beyond can explore the wonders of Scotland’s seas.”
