Secrets of Scotland's seas will be revealed

SCOTLAND'S seas are to be scrutinised by government experts in a bid to produce a clearer picture of the marine habitat.

The information, to be collected by Marine Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Northern Lighthouse Board, will be used to help inform plans for the creation of Marine Protected Areas, provide additional information on fish stocks, and inform plans for renewables and other marine developments.

A total of eight surveys covering some 2,200 square miles - equivalent to an area 1.25 times the size of the Cairngorms National Park - will be carried out.

The surveys involve an acoustic multi-beam survey to create a 3D image of the seabed, underwater video recording and photography, and sea bed sediment sampling.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet secretary for the environment said: "Our waters are home to some of the world's most precious wildlife, including internationally important species, therefore it's critical that we further our knowledge as much as we can."