Marine planning guide launched for Shetland
Document helps ensure archipelago's unique character and the importance of the marine environment to the islands is recognised in the marine planning process, says co-author
A plan setting out how Shetland’s seas will be managed sustainably to support local communities, protect marine life and tackle climate change has been published today.
The Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan (SIRMP), the first for Scotland, provides a framework for decisions on activities from fish farming to renewable energy up to 12 nautical miles from the coast.
The Scottish Government said the Plan had been developed with extensive community input, and seeks to ensure waters off the archipelago remain clean, healthy and productive for future generations. It is the first regional marine plan in Scotland developed under the Marine (Scotland) Act.
The Plan includes a map of voes and firths which have the best prospects for finfish expansion, others where some expansion is possible, and those where expansion will be allowed only in exceptional circumstances. However, it should be pointed out that these locational guidelines are a screening tool for environmental risk, not a comprehensive spatial planning or opportunity mapping system.
Authors Simon Pallant of Shetland Islands Council and Dr Rachel Shucksmith of UHI-Shetland led the Shetland Islands Marine Planning Partnership that developed the Plan. They point out in the document’s forward that finfish and shellfish farming provide more than 300 jobs in Shetland, and support jobs in fish processing, marine engineering, and transportation.
Approximately 20% of Scotland’s farmed salmon is produced in Shetland, and around 80% of Scotland’s farmed mussels.
In the Plan’s chapter about finfish and shellfish aquaculture, the authors stress the usefulness of Development Management Plans and Fish Farm Management Agreements that “adopt a holistic, multi-site approach to management which aims to brings benefits to industry and/or other users and interests”.
“This may be through the development of disease control and prevention measures, optimising production, minimising the impacts on the fishing industry, benefiting recreational users, the community, or natural heritage interests,” they add.
Protecting ecosystems
SIRMP also includes guidance on:
- protecting marine wildlife and ecosystems such as maerl and horse mussel beds, as well as internationally important seabird colonies and seal populations
- climate change assessments for new developments
- ensuring aquaculture and renewable energy projects deliver community benefits
- requiring developers and marine users to consider the impacts on local communities, protected species and habitats before projects proceed.
Scotland’s Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Shetland has a rich maritime heritage and its seas are vital to the local economy, culture and way of life.
“This plan demonstrates how local knowledge and national priorities can work together to protect the marine environment whilst, crucially, supporting our island communities to thrive.
“Shetland's approach to marine planning sets a strong example for sustainable development across Scotland.”
Strong evidence base
Shucksmith said: “The Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan ensures Shetland’s unique character and the importance of the marine environment to the islands’ economy, culture, and way of life is recognised in the marine planning process.
“It is built on a strong base of local evidence, gathered through collaboration with the Shetland community, industry partners, and local organisations. The plan will support the sustainable management of Shetland’s seas, enabling local data, knowledge, and values to be considered within decision-making.”
