Marine

Consultation: Pilot Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan

June 16, 2015 by Marine Scotland Communications No Comments | Category Collaborations, Marine Directorate general, Marine Directorate Science

A consultation is being launched on a plan that will be used to guide development activity in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters and members of the public will soon have the opportunity to give feedback on the draft plan.

The Marine Spatial Plan has been developed by a working group that includes Marine Scotland, Orkney Islands Council and Highland Council and it is an important stepping stone towards the introduction of regional marine plans around the entire coast of Scotland.

The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters were chosen to pilot the development of a Marine Spatial Plan to support the sustainable management of the area’s seas. It aims to balance the needs of local communities and marine economic activities whilst protecting the environment on which they depend. These economic activities include the renewables industry, commercial fishing, tourism, recreation, aquaculture, shipping and oil and gas.

Following an earlier consultation in 2013, the comments received were taken on board to inform the preparation of the plan. After consideration by Councillors, it has been endorsed by both Orkney Islands Council and Highland Council and will now go out to public consultation.

The working group would like to invite members of the public and other interested parties to provide their views on the Marine Spatial Plan. The consultation period runs from Monday June 15 until September 6 and a series of public consultation events have been organised in Orkney, Caithness and Sutherland. These are:

• July 6 –Warehouse Buildings, Stromness
• July 7 – Caithness Horizons, Thurso
• July 9 – Village Hall, Durness

These events will take place from 1pm – 8pm with a short presentation at 6:30pm.

Chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor James Stockan, said: “The first Marine Spatial Plan to be prepared for Orkney and the Pentland Firth is a major step towards supporting sustainable economic growth whilst protecting our outstanding marine environment.

“The marine area is a very important part of Orkney’s culture and heritage, and the Marine Spatial Plan will be a vital tool to safeguard the wellbeing and quality of life in local communities.”

To take part in the consultation follow the link from the home page at www.orkney.gov.uk or go directly to https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/marine-scotland/pfowmarinespatialplan.

Copies will also be available to view at the Council’s Customer Services in Kirkwall and Stromness and local libraries.

Consultation responses can be submitted by September 6 2015:

• Online: https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/marine-scotland/pfowmarinespatialplan
• Email: PFOWmarinespatialplan@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
• In writing: Tracy McCollin, Marine Laboratory, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB

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