Using the Firth of Forth as a case study, a report published this week by WWF, The Tangle of the Forth, illustrates that Scotland's marine waters are under rapidly expanding, and often conflicting, pressures from industry, housing development, sewage and waste, leisure and recreation, tourism, oil extraction and shipping.

Despite the Firth of Forth being recognised on an international, European and National level for its outstanding marine and coastal biodiversity, the implementation and enforcement of these levels of protection is virtually impossible under current legislation.

"Although The Tangle of the Forth examines the Forth as a case study, the free-for-all approach towards managing Scotland's coastal seas is indicative of how we manage Scottish waters in general. For example there are seven local authorities with coastal responsibilities around the Forth yet there is no overall planning framework which identifies what sort of developments would be appropriate in the Forth and takes account of other needs such as nature conservation requirements.

There is confusion as to who is responsible for implementing what level of protection. Such confusion ultimately means that we are failing to adequately protect Scotland's unique marine environment from spiralling pressures," said Helen McLachlan, Marine Policy Officer, WWF Scotland.

Recently the proposal by Forth Ports to proceed with the transfer of Russian crude oil from ship-to-ship in the Forth has caused deep concern amongst local councils and environment groups.

A Marine Act for Scotland would introduce a marine spatial planning system for Scotland, backed by strategic environmental assessments. Such a system would balance competing pressures and rule out inappropriate developments at an early stage, rather than the current situation of having to look at each case individually as they arise.