UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life below waterLife below water around Scotland

Many coastal communities in Scotland have long been dependent on the water for their income and food. In 2018, 4,860 people were employed on Scottish fishing vessels.

The health of our surrounding water and the variety of life it sustains is vital to making sure we can have a sustainable relationship with our waters.

Watch this video to find out how the community on Arran is protecting its marine environment.

Life below Scotland's water facts

• Scotland has 48,000 km² of coastal waters - around 60% of the UK’s total sea area. (Source: Climate Xchange)
• Scotland's seas support an estimated 6,500 species of animals and plants. (Source: Climate Xchange)
• 37 per cent of Scotland's seas are Marine Protected Areas, designated to conserve nature, protect biodiversity or develop sustainable management. (Source: Scottish Government)