Working Towards Productive Seas: A Comparative Analysis of the Marine Management Regimes under UK and Scottish Law

Abstract

This research presents a comparative analysis of the marine management regimes under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. In light of the vision shared by both administrations to achieve ‘clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas’, the research focuses upon the tension between achieving ‘productivity’ in the marine area and ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources. In particular, it examines the differences in the way in which productivity is defined and measured under each regime, and provides a consideration of the extent to which an appropriate balance is struck between the social, economic and environmental aspects of those definitions: key indicators of sustainability.