{"id":13964,"date":"2025-06-09T10:57:42","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T09:57:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/marine-scotland\/?p=13964"},"modified":"2025-06-09T11:24:17","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T10:24:17","slug":"supporting-a-just-transition-for-scotlands-seas-and-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/marine-scotland\/2025\/06\/09\/supporting-a-just-transition-for-scotlands-seas-and-people\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporting a just transition for Scotland\u2019s seas and people\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scotland\u2019s seas are precious.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

They play a crucial role in tackling the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Healthy seas provide habitats for marine life, absorb carbon and heat, as well as provide us with seafood and the opportunity to harness renewable energy.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our seas support marine businesses and provide an important source of income and employment across Scotland, particularly in rural and island communities. They are also a strong part of our cultural heritage and national identity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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However, there are many pressures on our seas. Without halting and reversing the decline in the health of our marine environment, we risk our ability to maximise economic and social benefits from our marine resources now and in the future.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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To secure long-term benefits for businesses, people and nature in line with <\/span>Scotland\u2019s Blue Economy vision<\/span><\/a> we need to transform the way we use the marine environment. We also need to manage this transformation in a way that is fair and just.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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For the Scottish Government a <\/span>just transition<\/span><\/a> is about both the outcome \u2013 a fairer, greener future for all \u2013 and the way we get there \u2013 in partnership with those most likely to be affected. It is about making sure that we become a net zero, nature positive and climate resilient nation, in a way that addresses inequalities and embraces new opportunities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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As part of this commitment, it\u2019s vital that we work together to ensure a bright future for Scotland\u2019s seas. That means a future where all marine sectors are sustainable, profitable and working alongside nature, and where the rural and coastal communities that depend on them are thriving.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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This blog post provides some examples of what we are doing to support a just transition f<\/span>or Scotland\u2019s seas and people. It also provides an update on what we will do next.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What we are doing<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

We are working with marine sectors and coastal communities to ensure a sustainable future for Scotland\u2019s seas for the benefit of everyone in Scotland. Here are just a few case studies of what this looks like in practice:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Case study 1: marine planning<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

We are committed to developing the NMP2 in a way that is using a just transition approach, in partnership with those impacted by marine planning. We are doing this by:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We are <\/span>developing a new national marine plan<\/span><\/a> for Scotland\u2019s seas which will replace the current National Marine Plan (2015). Our National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) will support sustainable development of our seas, protect our marine environment and deliver for our coastal communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n