The Success of Orkney’s application to be one of 5 projects in Scotland for the Crown Estate Scotland’s Local Pilots Scheme takes forward its ‘Orkney Islands Marine Planning Partnership’. More Local Decision Making in Areas Controlled by Crown Estate Scotland

” The pilot will demonstrate the effective implementation of a new way of doing business, with decisions to lease seabed assets around Orkney (to 12 nautical miles) taken within the local community through a robust local democratic process.”

Scapa Beach 07:50 29/03/2017 (photo K Armet)

The  Marine Planning Partnership will  develop a statutory regional marine plan which  “will guide future marine management decisions in Orkney waters (to 12 nautical miles).”

OIC will take a lead role in the partnership and will work with other interested organisations in the islands.

The Council also wishes to develop an Orkney Marine Environment Project. This will provide the evidence for  future planning and monitoring within Orkney’s waters. The OIC has applied to the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for funding. A decision on whether that has been successful will be known  in mid November.

 James Stockan, Leader of Orkney Islands Council  said:

“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.”

Reporter: Fiona Grahame