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SEPA build on strong legacy following successful deliveries for people and environment in 2023

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are pledging to build upon their strong legacy and deliver further benefits for people, places and businesses across Scotland this year.

For over a quarter of a century, SEPA have been at the forefront of protecting and enhancing our environment. We work to improve Scotland’s air, land and water, build a more circular economy and stronger, more resilient communities, decarbonise energy, and create a sustainable environment for future generations.

SEPA’s recently published annual report for 2022-2023 showcases how the agency continues to translate this commitment into effective actions.

We served our first Variable Monetary Penalty and tackled fish barriers across Scotland to help salmon return to the Garrell Burn for the first time in 100 years.

We also successfully completed the Bathing Waters Monitoring Programme with the addition of two more bathing beaches and one non-bathing water beach. The programme highlighted sustained improvements in bathing water quality, with a record-breaking number of bathing waters rated as ‘excellent’ in 2023.

“Last year, we helped Scotland avoid flood risk, protected communities by tackling poor environmental performance, disrupted waste crime and developed tools to adapt to our tenth driest summer on record. This progress not only demonstrates SEPA’s passion for protecting our places and communities, but also provides a solid foundation as we continue to develop our environmental actions in 2024 and best prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. SEPA are on the front line of climate change and biodiversity loss. We are committed to maximising our impact and securing a sustainable future for people and planet."

In Scotland, as across the world, the impacts of climate change are already visible. Increasingly severe weather, record warming, flash flooding and extreme water scarcity affect our economy, our society and communities.

SEPA continue to expand the national flood warning service network and provide critical warnings of flooding to communities and businesses. Last year, we introduced a three-day flood forecast and developed a new flood warning scheme in Falkirk.

In 2024, SEPA will continue to work in partnership with organisations across Scotland to develop strategies that tackle the diverse impacts of climate change, prioritise the net zero transition and build climate and community resilience.

Nicole Paterson added: “We are committed to public sector reform, to partnerships that maximise our effectiveness and, where possible, to target our fixed resources on prevention, rather than cure.

“Our work is more important than ever before. SEPA are leading the charge in protecting Scotland’s precious natural environment, while never losing focus on the local issues that matter most to our communities.

“Together, with our people and partners, we are proud of our past and focused on the future of our environment.”

Notes to editors

• Read SEPA's 2022-2023 annual report.
• Find out more about how we delivered for Scotland in 2023.
• Find all our news releases and statements in our media centre.
• By 2030, SEPA aim to reduce all of our emissions and environmental impacts to zero or net zero. By March 2023, the agency had recorded a 52% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2006-2007.
• In 2024 98% of Scotland’s designated bathing waters will again meet or exceed the Sufficient classification - with 84% achieving the higher standards of Excellent or Good.
• SEPA are Scotland’s national flood forecasting, flood warning and strategic flood risk management authority. Working with the Met Office, SEPA monitor around 700 river, coastal and rainfall sites 24/7 and provide daily advice on the risk of flooding to all responders in Scotland including the emergency services and local authorities.
• Register to SEPA’s Floodline service to receive free regional Flood Alert and local Flood Warning messages to your phone. Sign up online or by calling 0345 988 1188.