Orkney Marine Plan set to drive "progress and innovation"
Orkney is set to benefit from a new marine plan designed to protect waters off the Island for future generations, protect marine wildlife and ecosystems, and tackle climate change.
Fish farming and renewable energy are just two of the areas covered in the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan, which provides a framework for decisions on a range of activities and developments up to 12 nautical miles from the coast.
The report acknowledges that salmon and shellfish farming make an important contribution towards food production and food security in Scotland and the UK, and states: “Salmon farming has been established in Orkney for many years, providing significant employment and wider socio-economic benefits to island communities [102]. Fish farming jobs and the economic value added to local supply chains support the sustainability of island communities, particularly in more remote and economically fragile locations.”
However the report adds: “There has been significant expansion of salmon farming development and activities in Orkney over recent decades, including new fish farms and increases in equipment size and production, and/or biomass, at existing fish farm sites (see Maps 12–13). This has increased the cumulative impacts on the marine environment and other marine users from these developments and activities.
“It is therefore important that the location, scale, siting and design of fish farm development and activities be appropriately managed to safeguard the marine environment and the interests of other marine users, with due consideration to cumulative impacts.”
The plan, which received input from Orkney Marine Planning Advisory Group (OMPAG), including Salmon Scotland, also offers guidance on ensuring aquaculture and renewable energy projects deliver community benefits.
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: "The Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan is another significant step forward for the protection of our marine waters whilst supporting sustainable economic development in the Orkney Islands marine region.
“This is a major milestone towards ensuring action is taken to combat the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, whilst supporting fair, prosperous, nature-positive marine sectors and communities.
“The plan demonstrates how local knowledge can help to shape national priorities, ensuring Orkney’s unique way of life, and the importance of the marine environment to the islands’ economy and culture is recognised in the marine planning process."
Councillor Kristopher Leask, from Orkney Islands Council said: "The adoption of the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan marks a major milestone in the sustainable management of Orkney’s marine environment and economy. I’m delighted that we now have a plan in place to address local issues and priorities, helping decision makers deliver our objectives for Orkney’s seas.
"I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to preparing the plan, especially our local communities and those who work on the sea. This local knowledge and experience has helped the Council create a plan that will deliver for Orkney.
"A thriving marine economy will help us secure a prosperous future for Orkney whilst taking care of our marine environment. I’m enthusiastic about the next steps we’ll take to implement the plan and deliver lasting benefits for our communities."
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