MSF (132/2015)
MARINE STRATEGY FORUM
MARINE MANAGEMENT – Quarterly Update
19 June 2015
The information in this paper is up to date and accurate at the time of
publication. If required please use the contacts included in each section to
receive updates between publications.
NATIONAL MARINE PLAN
The National Marine Plan (NMP) was adopted on 25 March 2015 and laid before
Parliament on 27 March 2015. A Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural
Affairs, Food and the Environment was also laid before Parliament.
The National Marine Plan was published on 27 March 2015.
The creation of the National Marine Plan has involved a wide range of supporting
documents and information. We have therefore created National marine plan online
(NMPo), to provide one web area where you can find all of the documents mentioned
in the Plan, as well as other useful information.
Anna Donald
0121 244 7400
Anna.donald@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
National Marine Plan interactive (NMPi)
The number of data layers in National Marine Plan interactive continues to grow and
is now in excess of 530, representing a huge data resource for stakeholders and
MSF members and their staff.
New data layers continue to be added and amongst the recent layers are:
 Classified Shellfish Harvesting Areas
 Shellfish Harvesting Areas - microbiology representative monitoring points
(RMPs).
 Biotoxin and Phytoplankton representative monitoring points (RMPs)
 Water Framework Directive – coastal and estuaries layers for 9 monitoring
parameters.
 Deep sea habitats for Coral Gardens and Deep Sea Sponge Aggregations
 Economic Analysis - Marine Employment 2012 by Local Authority
 Maritime Transport (Ports and Shipping) - IMO - Traffic routing schemes;
IMO - MARPOL areas; Anchor berths and anchorage areas; and Navigation
channels (Recommended Routes and Fairways)
 Oil, Gas, Pipelines and Gas Storage - North Sea Interactive (NSI) biological
and chemical environmental survey availability for DECC licensed blocks;
DECC - Onshore licensed blocks (Coastal); DECC - Onshore blocks offered
under 14th round (Coastal).
 Renewable Energy - Crown Estate wind farm export cable agreements.
 Waste Disposal (Waste Water Treatment and Industrial Outfalls) - Industrial
(SPRI) marine discharges
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
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
Leisure and Recreation - Scottish Canals
Regions - North Coast and Orkney Islands - Marine Energy Resources (5
layers)
Many others layers have been updated.
NMPi has recently been changed so that the ‘Feature Information’ functionality now
works with WMS layer feeds. If you click on ‘Feature Information’ in the main NMPI
control box (top left) then if there are appropriate attributes available in the WMS feed
these will be displayed.
Marine Scotland continues to work with SEPA, SNH, JNCC and MASTS to develop
layers that will be relevant and valuable for marine planning. Marine Scotland is also
working with Clyde and Shetland on suitable regional data layers.
Feedback on NMPI is always
marineplanning@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
welcome
and
can
be
e-mailed
to
Martyn Cox
0131 244 7463
Martyn.cox@scotland,gsi.gov.uk
SCOTTISH MARINE REGIONS
The draft Scottish Marine Regions Order was laid on 9 March 2015 and was subject
to the scrutiny and approval of the Scottish Parliament.
The draft Order was discussed at the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment
Committee on the 29 April, at plenary on the 6 May, and came in to force on the 13th
May. The Scottish Marine Regions Order 2015 and illustrative map of the
boundaries can be found on the website below, and the 11 marine regions are also
shown on NMPi .
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2015/193/contents/made
Wendy Geary
0131 244 0185
Wendy.geary@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
MARINE SCOTLAND ANNUAL REVIEW 2014
The Marine Scotland Annual Review 2014 was published on the Marine Scotland
website on 9th February 2015.
(http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Publications/supporting/MSReview2014)
The Review reports on progress of Marine Scotland’s key deliverables and business
activities in the 2013/14 business year.
Work on the collation of information for the Marine Scotland Review 2015 (for the
business year 2014/15) is currently underway and will be presented at the next MSF
meeting.
David Alison
0131 244 3378
David.alison@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
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CLYDE 2020
The first meeting of the Clyde 2020 stakeholder steering group was held in February.
The Group discussed the Action Plan in detail and we are aiming to publish that
document shortly.
A Science Sub Group has been established, chaired by Professor Mike Heath, and
that Group will report to the Clyde 2020 Steering Group.
Nikki Milne
0131 244 3671
Nikki.milne@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
THE CROWN ESTATE IN SCOTLAND
On 28 May, the UK Government published the Scotland Bill to implement the
recommendations of the Smith Commission on further devolution of powers to the
Scottish Parliament. The provisions for the Crown Estate provide for a statutory
scheme which we understand will not be available until the autumn.
We will continue to work with the UK Government, the Crown Estate and
stakeholders on arrangements for devolution.
The Scottish Government has committed to consult before making final decisions on
the future framework for the Crown Estate in Scotland.
Nikki Milne
0131 244 3671
Nikki.milne@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
MARINE PROTECTED AREA (MPA) NETWORK UPDATE
The first consultation on Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Special Areas
of Conservation(SACs) management measures closed on 2nd February and covered
a total of 20 sites. Following 14 drop-in events around the country and 4,974
responses, Marine Scotland has taken account of the views provided during the
consultation and is finalising proposals to implement the measures.
Development of approaches for another 20 inshore sites has begun, with positive
regional workshops already having been held, and the aim is for consultation on
these 6 MPAs and 14 SACs to start in July 2015.
Development of joint recommendations for fisheries measures under the Common
Fisheries Policy is on-going for 8 offshore SACs. The process of developing joint
recommendations for 12 offshore MPAs has also begun and 2 workshops were held
in March 2015. The aim is to have all the measures in place by the end of 2016.
The aim is to consult on 4 MPA proposals and 14 draft Special Protection Areas
(dSPAs) this summer in a consultation led by SNH and JNCC. The contract for the
Impact Assessment for these sites has been completed and the report is in its final
stages to inform the consultation following input from the Project Advisory Group that
was held on the 16th April. SNH and JNCC are developing management options
along with other supporting papers for all of these to provide a comparable level of
detail and information as for the 2013 MPA consultation.
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The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) has completed a new analysis of
the largest and most comprehensive set of data for harbour porpoise in UK waters.
Initial advice indicates that there are several potential sites around the UK, although
no decision has yet been taken. Marine Scotland is awaiting finalised advice from
the JNCC and Scottish Natural Heritage.
The assessment for the remaining D&R MPA proposal from Fair Isle is nearing
completion and advice will shortly be drafted whether to take the proposal forward for
Ministers for consultation along with the other proposed designations.
Michael MS McLeod
0131 244 5562
Michael.mcleod@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
SEALS
Seal licensing is working well in most areas with reductions in numbers of seals killed
under licence each year since 2011. Research is also progressing into non-lethal
measures, including acoustic deterrents and some net modifications, with a view to
reducing the requirement for shooting in future.
Direct action NGOs have used detailed information about the location of seal
licensing activity published following Decision 193/2012 by the Scottish Information
Commissioner (SIC) to target a particular fishery and are looking to extend this
activity in the Orkneys. The police are monitoring the position to avoid any incidents.
They recently charged 3 individuals involved in direct action with public order
offences and those individuals are scheduled to appear in court in June 2015. This
direct action at the fishery has resulted in considerable disruption both to the fishery
concerned and to associated research on non-lethal measures. The fishery and its
industry representatives wrote to the SIC to express their concerns. The SIC is
currently considering an appeal about the publication of detailed information about
seal licensing activity and her decision is awaited. The information is at present being
published only in anonymous form at national and regional level.
The Protection of Seals (Designation of Haul-Out Sites) (Scotland) Order 2014,
designating 194 seal haul-out sites around Scotland where seals will be protected
from harassment, came into force on 30 September 2014.
The recent scientific report entitled “Grey seal predation impairs the recovery of an
over-exploited fish stock” by Robin Cook et al of Strathclyde University is an
interesting piece of research, which adds to the evidence base about grey seal
predation, a topic that has been of concern to a number of fishermen for some time.
The report itself makes clear the need to be cautious about the estimates resulting
from its modelling work. It will be considered carefully alongside a new study of grey
seal diet (due for publication later in 2015) in developing future policies in this area.
Ian Walker
Marine Environment
0131 244 6568
Ian.walker@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
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INSHORE FISHERIES EUROPEAN FISHERIES FUND (EFF) PROJECT
“Evidence Gathering in Support of Sustainable Scottish Inshore Fisheries”
The project aims to pilot a range of initiatives which serve to support sustainable
inshore fishing activities in the context of the wider marine planning framework and to
contribute to the development of the local inshore fisheries management process.
The principle work themes are to: establish the location of fishing activities within
inshore areas; identify catch composition and associated impacts of the fisheries;
define the footprint and activities of the fisheries; develop economic value and;
establish a dedicated information resource base for local fisheries management
applications.
Progress Update
EFF funding approval was achieved in June 2014 with the deadline for completion
scheduled for August 2015. This deadline has now been extended to October 2015
allowing some additional seasonal fishing information to be gathered.
The AIS vessel tracking system (WP1) has been signed up for by 300 vessels on a
voluntary basis with the aim of harvesting vessel tracks over a 4 month period. This
information will be used to identify potential spatial coverage of the system and
determine the ability for fishing activity “hotspots” to be taken into account in future
fisheries management and the marine spatial planning decision making processes.
Engagement of vessels for catch self-reporting and training of crews (WP2 and 3)
has progressed well with data collection from all vessel types. Skippers on the 11
vessels testing the system have been extremely supportive of the work undertaken
by the contractors (Seascope). Extension of the project completion date will allow
some of the vessels involved to record changes from their typical winter to summer
fisheries. Trials at sea are also being undertaken to look at the use of electronic tags
for marking and hauling of gear of all types.
Under WP4 the pilot areas (Clyde and Moray Firth) selected to consider the range of
fisheries related environmental data streams available and how these can be merged
to identify the footprint of fishing activities have been evaluated. The issue of
interpreting this complex range of both static and near real time data sources in a
fisheries management context has been the main driver of this work package. The
contractors (SAMS) are in the final stages of establishing an accessible platform for
the use of such data. There are likely to be links established to use elements of this
work to complement the NMPi database.
The economic constraints to maximising value from potential landings from the
inshore fishery (WP5 and 6) has focused on both the micro economics and the
landing patterns which are influenced by a range of factors including seasonal and
quota availability issues. This work has progressed to show the multi-faceted
decision making process in relation to availability of stock, size and condition of
individuals and the complex requirements of the markets. Gaining economic value
from a market led fishing strategy coupled with sustainability considerations has been
shown to be of potential benefit to inshore fisheries businesses.
The final work package (WP7) is focusing on how such a vast range of information
can be made readily available to both Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFGs) and within the
Marine planning system. The compilation of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) for
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inshore fisheries around Scotland is part of the process of informing the NMP and
Scottish Marine Region Marine Planning Partnerships. This work has provided the
basis for an electronic database to be established and be accessible for those
engaged in compiling and updating such FMPs.
The Marine Scotland Inshore Fisheries Conference planned for the 9th October
2015 in Inverness will serve as an important showcase for the outputs from this EFF
project. Each of the Work Packages will be represented by the contractors who have
undertaken the projects and this is seen as an informal way of individual fishermen
being able to discuss the projects with both those undertaking the work and fellow
fishermen.
Following a thorough evaluation of the outputs from the EFF project it is proposed to
further engage with industry and bring forward a development bid to build on
successful elements utilising the EMFF scheme.
Jim Watson
Head of Inshore Fisheries and Coastal Communities
0131 244 6438
Jim.watson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
MARINE OFFSHORE RENEWABLES UPDATE
Pilot Pentland Firth And Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan
The pilot Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan documents will be
available for public consultation from 15 June to 6 September 2015. There will be
associated events in Stromness, Thurso and Durness the week beginning 6 July
2015. The consultation consists of a suite of documents, the Marine Spatial Plan,
Sustainability Appraisal, Socio-Economic Baseline Report, Regional Locational
Guidance for the renewables industry, a partial Business and Regulatory Impact
Assessment and a partial Equality Impact Assessment. Further information about the
consultation can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/PFOWmarinespatialplan .
Tracy McCollin
01224 295573
tracy.mccollin@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
SECTORAL MARINE PLANNING PROCESS
As part of the Planning Scotland’s Seas consultation, the Scottish Government
consulted on Draft Sectoral Marine Plans for Offshore Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy.
A high level consultation analysis report was completed by consultants with further
more detailed analysis undertaken internally to consider written responses and the
comments made at sectoral and regional meetings. Together with the outcomes of
the assessment, this analysis will form the basis upon which the Final Draft Plan will
be produced. It is the intention to publish the plans at the end of June.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marine-consultation
Bruce Buchanan
0131 244 6602
Bruce.buchanan@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
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LICENSING MANUAL
A Marine Renewables Licensing and Consents Manual, providing information and
guidance to developers on the licensing and consents process, is available on the
Scottish Government website. Work is underway to update the manual to
incorporate new legislation and processes. We anticipate that a revised draft manual
will be available in the late summer. The existing manual can be found online at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine/LicensingManual
Paul Smith
0141 278 4454
Paul.smith@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
MARINE STORAGE & AREAS OF REFUGE
Marine Scotland is currently working on Regional Locational Guidance for ‘Marine
Storage & Areas of Refuge’. This exercise will aim to identify the potential
requirements for the storage of renewables equipment/devices (e.g. gravity bases for
wind turbines) in the seas around Scotland. Marine Scotland has been in contact
with the Concrete Centre and Bam Nuttall to identify requirements for concrete
gravity base manufacturers. We are currently obtaining further information from the
Concrete Centre and also preparing charts concentrating on the East coast and
Moray Firth, before looking at other locations around Scotland. Work will continue
this year.
Bruce Buchanan
0131 244 6602
Bruce.buchanan@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
SCENARIO MAPPING
Marine Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, The Crown
Estate and East Coast Renewables have undertaking a scenario mapping exercise
to gain a greater understanding of the onshore planning and supply chain
implications for offshore wind developments in the East and North East Regions.
There has been a delay in the timetable for completion in light of ‘Electricity Market
Reform’ (EMR) and ‘Contracts for Difference’ (CfD) considerations. The Draft Project
Report needs some further work and will be available later this year.
David Pratt
0141 278 4453
David.pratt@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
SCOTTISH OFFSHORE RENEWABLES RESEARCH FRAMEWORK (SPORRAN)
Marine Scotland must ensure that offshore renewable energy potential in Scottish
waters is realised in a sustainable manner. Marine science has a crucial role to play
in addressing the environmental and socio-economic uncertainties that surround
placing offshore renewable devices in the marine environment.
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Marine Scotland recognises that the most effective way of addressing uncertainties is
through a co-ordinated and collaborative programme of environmental and socioeconomic research. The aim of the Scottish Offshore Renewables Research
frAmework (SpORRAn) is to provide a mechanism to create a co-ordinated research
programme needed to facilitate the sustainable development of the Marine
Renewable sector in Scotland.
The SpORRAn Framework will be structured as set out below.
The framework includes a strategic group, and specialised research groups in a
number of important areas. The membership of the various groups will be integral to
their success; all groups will be small and focused. Membership is intended to be
inclusive with stakeholder, policy, and science community representation.
With
limited places available, members will be expected to represent multiple interests.
The terms of reference will be specific to each of the different types of group that
make up the framework. Secretariat support for the groups will be provided by
MORE (Marine Scotland Marine and Offshore Renewable Energy Branch).
The strategic group will engage with other funding organisations and renewable
groups and seek to develop increased awareness of research initiatives and
collaborative funding opportunities. The group will inform the strategic planning for
offshore renewables research and provide the mechanism for monitoring, review and
update of the offshore renewable Sectoral plans for Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy.
The themed groups will develop evidence plans, shared funding plans and seek to
justify, and co-ordinate research relevant to Scottish sectoral marine planning and
consenting requirements; reporting back to the strategic group. The evidence plans
will take the place of the current Research Implementation Strategy
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marineenergy/ris.
The evidence plans will set out a prioritised list of short term and medium term
evidence needs in line with current policy and licencing objectives. They will provide
details of appropriate mechanisms to address evidence needs and make reference to
current and relevant research. The evidence plans will be maintained as live
documents and will be updated as required.
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The work on the framework is progressing, groups are currently being established
with first meetings being planned for summer 2015.
Lucy Law
0131 244 0808
lucy.law@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
MARINE SCIENCE AND STATUS REPORTING
Marine Science Co-ordination Committee (MSCC)
Minutes of the 14th MSCC meeting (March 2015) will be published here when
available. The 15th meeting is scheduled for September 2015.
Brief details of the various MSCC groups initiatives can be found on the main MSCC
web page (and scrolling down to the relevant part) or in the Update Paper from the
latest MSCC meeting.
MSCC groups are:
o Communications Working Group – covers:
 Marine Science Events Calendar, managed by the Marine Biological
Association;
 Marine Ripple Effect, which brings the latest developments in marine
science by Plymouth Marine Laboratory through twitter on behalf of the
MSCC.
o Science Alignment Working Group
o Offshore Renewables Research Steering Group
o Marine Industries Liaison Group
o Marine Research Vessels Group
o UK Integrated Marine Observing Network Group
o Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) and its Business
Plan (2014-2019). The 2015/2016 work plan is being finalised.
o Underwater Sound Forum
Martyn Cox
0131 244 7463
Martyn.cox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
WILD FISHERIES REFORM
The Scottish Government published its response to the report of the independent
Wild Fisheries Review on 15 May 2015. The document:




Confirms our commitment to reforming wild fisheries management
Announces the development of a national wild fisheries strategy (including a
data and research strategy)
Sets out the fundamental principles that will guide development of the new
system
Seeks views on broad policy options for issues including the balance of
responsibility at national and local level, the design of local delivery bodies,
skills and science, funding, sustainable harvesting, regulation and
compliance, and increasing participation.
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The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will be followed by consultation on a draft
Wild Fisheries Bill together with a draft national wild fisheries strategy before the end
of the parliamentary session.
Consultation recently concluded on proposed conservation measures to ban the
killing of wild salmon except under licence supported by a carcass tagging scheme
and baits and lures regulations to be in place for the start of the 2016 season. The
consultation sought views on the broad principles behind the scheme whilst we
worked up the detail as necessitated by the timescale We are currently analysing the
600+ responses.
The scheme provides Ministers with a lever to control the killing of wild salmon and
demonstrate to the EC and the international community that where harvesting takes
place its sustainable. We plan to engage with stakeholders and consult further on
the detail of the scheme over the summer months.
Carole Barker-Munro
0131 244 6468
Carole.barker-munro@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
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