Scotland's government has responsibility for nature conservation in 61% of UK waters. As programme manager for the Marine Conservation Society in Scotland, I agree that the United Kingdom and its devolved governments should be making marine conservation a priority (see also Nature 520, 585–586; 2015).

This summer, Scotland could become a global conservation leader following proposals for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for highly mobile species, including minke whales and basking sharks. These areas will soon be subject to public consultation. The hope is that they will then augment the 30 Scottish MPAs designated in summer 2014. Even at some of these sites, damaging fishing activity may still be continuing (see go.nature.com/hzkdzd). Present and future governments in Scotland and Westminster must take steps to keep the 'P' in MPAs.