ICES CM 2013 I:36 Marine Spatial Planning in Action: Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters case study 1 2 3 Shona Turnbull , Tracy McCollin and James Green 1. INTRODUCTION • The Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 We are supporting makes provision for statutory marine sustainable marine planning in Scotland’s seas. development in • Regional marine spatial planning is Orkney, Caithness being piloted in the Pentland Firth & & Sutherland. Orkney Waters area (Figure 1). • This non statutory process will be used to inform the statutory Regional Marine Plans. 2. OPERATIONAL PROCESSES • A small working group (Figure 2) was set up in March 2012 and consists of a range of expertise i.e. marine scientist, 3. RESEARCH AND CONSULTATION planner and ecologist. • Research to inform the process is being • The group has developed the overall undertaken on various sectors e.g. marine planning process, consultation renewables, shipping, fishing and tourism, documents and associated community to analyse potential conflicts and benefits. engagement. • Data and relevant information are not • The documents follow a similar always available when required owing to process to terrestrial Local projects being delivered to different Development Plans production, with timelines. clear, auditable steps and multiple • Tight timelines can limit the time available opportunities for stakeholder and for external input to the process. wider public engagement. • Public engagement is ongoing to ensure local knowledge is captured throughout the process and all business sectors have the opportunity to help shape the marine spatial plan through non statutory and statutory consultation. • It is a challenge to ensure the correct people are consulted at the correct time 4. NEXT STEPS and expectations are managed. • Prepare Consultation Report and final Environmental Report to capture stakeholder input. Marine spatial planning is • Prepare draft pilot Pentland Firth and as much about managing Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan people as managing the for consultation in early 2014. marine environment. • Review the process of developing the pilot marine spatial plan. 10 point Summary What works well? Difficulties and challenges Conclusions Scottish Government and local Access to data across organisations. Underpin marine plans with robust government partnership. Tight deadlines can limit the extent of knowledge. Small, focussed working group. public and stakeholder engagement. Establish a clear plan making process Good mix of expertise. Balancing national and local priorities and opportunities for engagement, and local expectations. maintaining regular communication with Clear planning process stages and timetable of outputs. stakeholders throughout. Ensure appropriate planning, scientific and technical expertise are available. Contact: 1. [email protected] 2. [email protected] 3. [email protected] .