Blue Marine Foundation is outlining a Vision for National Marine Parks in British Seas. Research and interviews with people from across the country have shown that the concept of a Marine Park means different things to different people. Blue Marine is sharing a vision to start a conversation about the idea. This report explores where and how it could work for Scotland. Our experience from supporting the emergence of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park in Devon, which was voluntarily declared in 2019, has provided the incentive to explore whether National Marine Park status is of interest in other parts of the country. The Blue Marine conference in 2018 called ‘Marine Parks: bringing it all back home’ explored with a wide range of people whether this global idea could work for Britain. It triggered further support and consideration of the vision and the publication of Blue Marine’s report ‘National Marine Parks: A Vision for British Seas’ in 2021. This supplementary report provides insights into the past consideration and future possibilities for National Marine Parks in Scotland. The context is different due to legal provision in the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 to include the sea, although so far Scotland only has two National Parks and neither extends into the sea. This report highlights where Coastal and Marine National Parks for Scotland have been considered, focusing on the Argyll region on the west coast. The background, current position and people’s perspectives on future barriers and opportunities are presented. The report finds that there are significant opportunities to establish National Marine Parks in Scotland. The legal framework includes provision for the sea and there are active campaigns for more National Parks which could extend to the coastal and marine environment. Momentum through national and local community leadership is essential to realise the potential benefits from the vision.


UK Kelp Recovery
Kelp forests are some of the most productive on Earth and provide a wealth of goods and services to human society. At the same time they are at risk from human activities such as climate change, destructive fishing practices and pollution.
28 March 2025