Sea Scotland 2024 - Sharing Our Blue Space

Scotland boasts a marine environment of unparalleled beauty and ecological significance. Our seas host a diverse range of marine life and ecosystems and are a vital resource that supports multiple marine industries, including fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy. The marine environment also holds cultural and social significance for communities in Scotland, shaping their identities, traditions, and ways of life. However, this precious environment suffers from ongoing decline due to cumulative pressures from human activities. We are in the grip of an “ocean emergency”, and Scotland’s seas are not in good health, with evidence showing the continued losses of marine species and habitats.

The Climate and Nature Emergencies are interconnected with the wider political, economic and societal challenges we face, from the cost-of-living crisis to Scotland's mental health crisis. We urgently require transformative actions that are fair for people, planet and ocean. As our seas are extremely busy, it has become vital to find ways to share this blue space, building positive relationships between all marine users and ensuring human activities can continue for generations to come, while allowing our marine environment to recover.

Sea Scotland 2024 aims to bring together experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to explore the ways forward to ensure a sustainable and responsible management of Scotland's marine environment. For this year’s edition, we invite all marine stakeholders to join a space of discussion and collaboration. Together, we will explore how to address the challenges and opportunities associated with sharing this precious resource and explore strategies for its conservation and equitable use.