OR/13/013 Foreword

Green, S, Campbell, E, Bide, T P, Balson, P S, Mankelow, J M, Shaw, R A, and Walters, W S. 2013. The mineral resources of Scottish waters and the Central North Sea. British Geological Survey Internal Report, OR/13/013.

This report accompanies the mineral resource map of Scottish Waters and the Central North Sea (Green et al, 2013). It has been published as part of the research project Mineral Resource Assessment of the UK Continental Shelf commissioned by The Crown Estate. The map is one of a series that covers the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). Knowledge of mineral resources is essential for effective and sustainable planning decisions. The marine mineral resource maps provide a comprehensive, relevant and accessible information base. This information will allow all stakeholders (planners, industry and members of the public) to visualise the distribution of offshore minerals to a common standard and at a common scale, an important requirement of an integrated offshore planning system. The maps will also facilitate the conservation (safeguarding) of non-renewable mineral resources for future generations in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.