Orkney Islands Marine Planning Partnership gets a step closer

Local authorities and organisations are being given the opportunity to have more say in the management of Crown land, the seabed and coastline with pilot projects.

Five schemes have moved through to the second stage of development:

• Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
• Galson Estate Trust
• Orkney Islands Council
• Shetland Islands Council
• Tay and Earn Trust

Orkney Islands Council’s  proposal is for decisions on seabed leases to be made by an Orkney Islands Marine Planning Partnership. The Council would lead the partnership with advisory support from stakeholders with commercial, environmental, community and recreational interests in local waters.

James Stockan, Leader of OIC  said:

“We put forward a strong and innovative case for local decision making and how this could be managed in ways that best meet the needs of our community.

“I am pleased that this has been recognised and that we are now being asked to further develop our proposals. I look forward to doing this in partnership with Crown Estate Scotland and local stakeholders.

“The waters around Orkney are a key asset for our community, but the seabed has historically been managed at a considerable distance from our islands.

“We are keen to see a more democratic approach, with decisions affecting sectors such as marine energy, aquaculture, commercial fisheries and marine tourism made locally and in ways which support sustainable development.”

The leasing of virtually all seabed around the Scottish coast is currently managed by Crown Estate Scotland.

A detailed business plan will now be developed to take forward the Council’s proposal for a Marine Planning Partnership for Orkney.

An additional 6 schemes are open for further consultation with Crown Estate Scotland

• Findhorn Village Conservation Company
• Forth District Salmon Fisheries Board
• Lochgoil Moorings Association and Lochgoil Jetties Trust
• Mallaig Harbour Authority
• Portgordon Community Harbour Association
• St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve