Scotland has been given greater responsibility for looking after territorial waters, it was announced yesterday.
The UK Government has agreed that planning and nature conservation will come under the auspices of the Scottish Government.
It follows an agreement between London and Edinburgh that planned marine bills from both administrations should be joined up.
The Scottish Government has been given the authority to designate marine conservation sites and to control wave and tidal power developments out to 200 nautical miles, the equivalent of just over 230 regular miles.
Ministers said it would allow joined-up planning for renewable energy developments, and fishing and marine conservation.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said it was excellent news for Scotland and Scotland
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