THE vast majority of people believe Scotland’s seas should have more protection, research has found. Scottish Environment Link said strengthening the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network to ensure at least 30% of Scotland’s seas are highly protected, and a third are fully protected, by 2030 will be a critical step for the marine environment. Its Save Scottish Seas coalition has launched an ocean recovery plan calling on the Scottish Government to “build back better” following the coronavirus pandemic, with ambitious targets set in law. Scottish Environment Link said while recent Government announcements have increased the area of Scotland’s seas within the MPA network to about 37%, most of the network awaits “actual effective protection” from the most damaging and extractive activities.