THE Scottish government is trying to “sidestep its legal obligations” with a new marine plan that could leave rules protecting the environment “less clear and weaker” than before, campaigners warn.

Environmental charity Open Seas has warned that the draft Planning Position Statement (PPS), outlining the SNP government’s approach to the updating of the national marine plan, could remove “whole sections” of fishery policy and risk “loosening environmental safeguards.”

Drawing on his charity’s successful legal challenge against the Scottish government’s licensing of scallop dredging, director Phil Talylor said: “Delivering their commitments is where they now need to focus, not on moving and weakening the goalposts yet again.

“We are particularly concerned that this may be yet another attempt by the Scottish government to sidestep its legal obligations.

“Our successful judicial reviews in 2023 and 2024 exposed the government’s failure to follow environmental laws when overseeing fishing, and to attempt to override the will of the Scottish Parliament.

“These proposals suggest they’ve not learned from those rulings.

“This isn’t just about environmental policy — it’s about trust in government decision-making.

“The proposed changes are a backward step and at odds with Scotland’s existing commitments to sustainability and climate action.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “The decisions which govern our oceans are vital to the future of our planet.

“The national marine plan 2 seeks to support sustainable development of our seas, protect our marine environment and deliver for our coastal communities.

“The public consultation on the PPS is currently open until January 28 and we are keen to hear all views from across Scotland to help shape work to develop the policies for a new plan that will be subject to a separate public consultation.”