Scotland is being urged to harness its wave power potential

Jim Wallace said a study of Scotland's 6,000-mile coastline would help investors identify locations for wave and tidal power generation.

Mr Wallace said �22m would be invested over the next three years to help create job opportunities.

However, opposition parties raised environmental concerns about the move.

The minister said marine energy is one of Scotland's greatest natural resources which should be utilised.

"There are real prospects for Scotland to be the world leader in marine energy," he said.

Jim Wallace urged Scotland to reach out to marine energy

"Scotland's green jobs strategy must be about identifying the practical steps that government can take to seize opportunities in new markets, including marine energy and all forms of renewable energy.

"Marine energy is one of Scotland's greatest natural resources and we must do everything practical to maximise its potential for economic growth."

Opposition parties said they were concerned about the environmental impact of the Scottish Executive's green policy.

SNP enterprise spokesman Jim Mather urged the executive to invest in environmentally friendly farming and fishing policies.

He also expressed concern about whether devolution could see the profits generated by renewable energy taken beyond Scotland's borders.

Environmental concerns

However, Mr Wallace said economic growth and environmental protection were not mutually exclusive.

He added: "Promoting take-up of resource efficiency measures will cut business running costs, safeguard employment and reduce pollution."

Conservative enterprise spokesman Murdo Fraser said green jobs held "great opportunities" for Scotland but should not be seen as morally superior to jobs in traditional industries.

Scottish Green enterprise spokeswoman Shiona Baird warned the executive against treating green jobs as an "add on" to its economic development policy.

Frances Curran, Scottish Socialist MSP for West of Scotland, said Mr Wallace failed to produce a clear and coherent policy on what impact his plan would have on business and the environment.