Marine science and innovation strategy

1. Ministerial Introduction

I am pleased to introduce the Scottish Government's Marine Science and Innovation Strategy. This strategy is driven by the ambitions set out in our Blue Economy Vision. It has been developed to deliver on our commitment to protect the beautiful and diverse waters of Scotland on which our coastal communities depend, and which are integral to our national identity and maritime heritage. The Vision sets out our ambition for Scotland's Blue Economy to 2045. It promotes an approach that is consistent with Scotland's National Performance Framework and our international obligations. This is captured in the six outcomes that we want to achieve.

This strategy positions Scottish Government so that it can utilise the best evidence and data available for making informed management decisions to deliver these Blue Economy outcomes. It instils a commitment to innovate and use the best available technology, artificial intelligence, modelling and analysis to deliver for Scotland's marine environment, communities and economy.

In the Scottish Government's Marine Directorate, our strongest asset is our world class and dedicated people whose expertise and commitment will meet the challenges ahead. This new strategy sets out how we will focus on what government science can and should be doing. We cannot meet all the challenges, nor deliver alone, which means our aim will be to do this with a 'whole of Scotland' approach. We will closely collaborate with a wide range of world-leading, marine science partners including marine users, academia and private sector stakeholders. We all have a vital role to play in making the most of our marine assets to provide the optimum return for the people of Scotland, now and into the future.

Scotland has a key role to play in stewarding the marine environment and to do that we will commit to developing our capacity as a key contributor and member of the global marine science community. This strategy will help us to develop and access the evidence required to make the most of the opportunities Scotland's marine and freshwater environments provide, and innovatively respond to climate change and nature loss.

The threats to our ecosystems are severe, requiring a response from us that's unprecedented. The opportunities are also unparalleled with regard to sustainable marine economy sectors such as aquaculture, fishing and the renewable energy industry. Fulfilling our aspirations will require us to pioneer new ways of working across all our marine sectors.

Such collaboration is essential if Scotland is to maintain its position as an international leader in the marine environment. This new strategy allows the Scottish Government to make decisions using the best available evidence to deliver our Blue Economy Vision. It will help us shape Scotland's marine future for the benefit of all.

Mairi Gougeon

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands