Scotland's National Marine Plan: Pre-Consultation Draft

Scotland’sNational Marine PlanPRE-CONSULTATION DRAFT

The Scottish Government, Edinburgh 2011

Scotland’s

PRE-CONSULTATION DRAFT

National Marine Plan

© Crown copyright 2011

ISBN: 978-1-78045-084-1

The Scottish GovernmentSt Andrew’s HouseEdinburghEH1 3DG

Produced for the Scottish Government by APS Group ScotlandDPPAS11478 (03/11)

Published by the Scottish Government, March 2011

The text pages of this document are printed on recycled paper and are 100% recyclable

Contents Page Mission Statement 4 Ministerial Foreword 5 Chapter 1 Introduction 7 Chapter 2 Context and Timetable 10 Chapter 3 Interaction with Land Planning 11 Chapter 4 Summary – The Way Forward 12 Chapter 5 Assessment of Scottish Marine Area and Significant Pressures 16 Chapter 6 Related European Directives 19 Chapter 7 National Marine Plan Key Objectives 21 Chapter 8 Climate Change Objectives 24 Chapter 9 Scottish Government Approach to Development in the Marine Area 26 Chapter 10 Interactions Matrix 30 Chapter 11 How to use this Document 31 Chapter 12 Sector Reports 32

Section 1 Food 33 Fisheries 35 Wild Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries 45 Aquaculture 50 Section 2 Energy 59 Oil and Gas 62 Carbon Capture and Storage 66 Renewables 69

Section 3 Tourism and Recreation 77

Section 4 Marine Transport 87

Section 5 Telecommunication and Cables 96

Section 6 Military Activities 99

Section 7 Marine Environment 102 Nature Conservation 103 Marine Historic Environment 111

Section 8 Coastal/Water 117 Coastal Protection and Flood Defence 117 Water Abstraction 121 Waste Water 124

Section 9 Aggregates and Disposal 127

Annex A: Food Webs 129

Annex B: Glossary and Abbreviations 133

OUR MISSION STATEMENT The Scottish Government‟s mission is to manage Scotland‟s seas for prosperity and environmental sustainability. This contributes to the Scottish Government‟s overall purpose of sustainable economic growth and achievement of a shared vision of clean, healthy, safe, productive, biologically diverse marine and coastal environments, managed to meet the long term needs of people and nature. KEY FACTS

The vast majority of Scots live within 10 km of the sea.

Scotland’s seas are a major asset generating more than £3.6 bn for the Scottish economy.

There is excellent potential for renewable energy generation around Scotland's coasts.

Scotland’s seas sustain over 40,000 species including internationally important populations of marine mammals and sea birds.

22 species of porpoise, dolphin and whale can be found in Scottish waters.

40 Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in Scotland’s seas. 1

1 Further information on and a copy of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 can be found at

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/marineact

The Marine (Scotland) Act1 received Royal Assent on 10 March 2010 introducing, for the first time:

National and regional marine plans New powers to create Marine Protected Areas New compliance/licence measures Improved conservation of seals

5

MINISTERIAL FOREWORD

I was proud for my part in securing the passage of the Marine (Scotland) Act last year. For the first time Scotland has a legislative framework for promoting a sustainable approach to marine management.

For the first time, a National Marine Plan will give greater clarity to decision making in the marine environment, governing more detailed planning at the regional level and informing marine licensing and other decision making functions.

This pre-consultation Draft National Marine Plan, starts the process of agreeing the policies and objectives required to ensure Scotland has a healthy and sustainable marine environment, delivering sustainable economic growth.

At a time that is challenging economically and environmentally it has never been more important to exercise good stewardship of the marine assets that we have inherited and will in turn bequeath to our children.

I hope this document and its vision and objectives will stimulate debate amongst all those who use and value Scotland’s seas.

Richard Lochhead MSP Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment MSP

7

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Marine (Scotland) Act2 received Royal Assent 10 March 2010. The Act creates a new legislative and management framework for the marine environment to manage the competing demands of the use of the sea whilst protecting the marine environment. In particular, Part 3 of the Act places a duty on Scottish Ministers to prepare and adopt a National Marine Plan, followed by regional marine plans.

1.2 The National Marine Plan must set out:

� Policies for sustainable development of Scotland's seas; � Policies on Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas3 (MPAs) and

other relevant conservation sites; � Economic, social and marine ecosystem objectives and further

objectives for the mitigation and adaption of climate change; � The condition of the Scottish marine area (or region) including a

summary of the significant pressures and human impacts on the relevant area. These are set out in Scotland’s Marine Atlas: Information for the National Marine Plan4 and are summarised on page 14.

� Information relating to the policies appropriate to the plan.

1.3 Marine Plans have statutory force as regards relevant decisions by public bodies including the Crown Estate Commissioners. Scottish Marine Regions will be the means by which marine planning and management takes place at regional level. It is therefore essential that regional objectives and plans are consistent with national objectives. However, it will take some time to develop regional marine plans. Regional boundaries are not yet available but will become so during the development of the National Marine Plan. When the boundaries are determined we will analyse the plan to provide regional guidance on the level and extent of activity we would expect the regions to plan for.

1.4 The pre-consultation draft National Marine Plan covers both inshore waters (out to 12 nautical miles) and offshore waters (12 to 200 nautical miles). The National Marine Plan will also apply to the exercise of reserved functions (as well as devolved). In this document, Scottish inshore and offshore waters (MHWS to 200 NM) are referred to as Scotland’s seas.

The National Marine Plan is covered by different legislation:

� in the case of inshore waters the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 applies; � in the case of offshore waters, the Marine and Coastal Access Act

2009.

2 Further information on and a copy of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 can be found at

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/marineact3 Further information on Marine Protected Areas and other relevant conservation sites referred to within ( 67(1)(a) and 79(4) of

the Marine Scotland Act

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/marineact4 Scotland’s Marine Atlas: Information for the National Marine Plan www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas.

8

Figure 1.1 Scotland’s Seas

1.5 We will continue to develop the pre-consultation Draft National Marine Plan and intend to conduct a further consultation on the Plan later in the year.

1.6 A Sustainability Appraisal, which includes Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), for the Plan is being carried out. An interim report has been published for consultation along with this pre- consultation Draft National Marine Plan is available on the Scottish Government website. A full Sustainability Appraisal report that meets the requirements of the SEA

9

Directive and associated legislation will be published alongside the Draft National Marine Plan for consultation later in the year.

Cross boundary

1.7 The Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 states that in preparing a National Plan notification must be given to any planning authority, the district of which adjoins the Scottish marine area. The notification includes:

� The effect which any proposal for inclusion in the plan is likely to have on any area which adjoins the Scottish marine area;

� Any plan prepared by a public or local authority regarding management of sea, coast or marine and coastal resources in the Scottish marine area or any adjoining or adjacent area in the UK or the UK Marine Area;

� The powers and duties of the Crown Estate Commissioners.

Similar provisions apply under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

1.8 The National Marine plan must also fit with any marine policy statement5

currently in effect for the Scottish marine area unless relevant considerations indicate otherwise.

1.9 As required by the legislation the Scottish Government has notified public authorities with responsibilities in waters adjacent to the plan area. In the short timescales available to prepare this pre-consultation Draft Plan the Scottish Government has not sought to involve cross boundary stakeholders in detailed discussions of either the content of the plan or the possible impacts on adjacent waters. During the consultation on the pre-consultation draft the Scottish Government is pleased to meet cross boundary stakeholders to consider these and any other issues stakeholders might identify.

5 UK Marine Policy Statement, UK Administrations, 2011

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/international/MPS

10

CHAPTER 2 CONTEXT AND TIMETABLE

2.1 This document is a pre-consultation draft to start the debate in Scotland about how we mange our marine environment. The sustainable economic development aspects of the plan focus primarily on the vision for individual sectors and are a necessary first step towards developing an integrated plan.

2.2 In due course it will be complemented by the Programme of Measures necessary to fulfil the delivery of Good Environmental Status (GES) under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/marine/index_en.htm. The integration of the Programme into the National Marine Plan will be essential to achieve GES by 2020.

2.3 This pre-consultation draft National Marine Plan will be followed by a further consultation later in 2011. With your input through this consultation process, the aim is to deliver the final marine plan during Spring/Summer 2012. The plan and objectives will be kept under review, in line with the appropriate legislation.

You are invited to respond to this consultation by 7 June 2011.

Information on how to respond can be found at the end of this document.

11

CHAPTER 3 INTERACTION WITH LAND PLANNING

3.1 The National Marine Plan will sit alongside and interact with existing planning regimes. The second National Planning Framework6 under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2006 sets out a number of national development priorities to support the Scottish Government’s central purpose of sustainable economic growth. The National Marine Plan will be consistent with the strategic priorities set out in the National Planning Framework 2 (NPF2).

3.2 The National Marine Plan area will extend up to the level of mean high water spring tides while terrestrial planning boundaries generally extend to mean low water spring tides. The National Marine Plan area will therefore physically overlap with that of terrestrial plans. This overlap ensures that marine and land planning will address the whole of the marine and terrestrial environments respectively, and not be restricted by an artificial boundary at the coast. The geographic overlap between the National Marine Plan and existing plans will help organisations to work effectively together and ensure that appropriate harmonisation of plans is achieved.

3.3 Integration of marine and terrestrial planning will be achieved through consistency between marine and terrestrial policy documents and guidance. It is proposed to bring forward legislation which will require land Planning Authorities to give consideration to Marine Plans. Marine policy guidance and plans will seek to complement rather than replace these, recognising that both systems may adapt and evolve over time.

3.4 The planning system will help to ensure that marine resources are developed sustainably, with development taking account of environmental effects, the capacity of marine and coastal areas, and minimising (or mitigating for) adverse effects.

6 National Planning Framework

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/npf/

12

CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY - THE WAY FORWARD

4.1 The pre-consultation Draft National Marine Plan sets out policies for the sustainable development of Scotland’s seas and includes economic, social and marine ecosystems objectives. The plan also introduces key challenges of marine sectors and the objectives needed to deliver these based on an integrated approach.

4.2 The key challenges faced by marine sectors are presented in Figure 4.1 below and are reflected in the summarised priorities for key industries in Figure 4.2 (overleaf).

Figure 4.1 Key challenges of marine sectors

Sector Key Challenges

Commercial

Fisheries

• To achieve and then maintain fishing pressure on all fish stocks at Maximum

Sustainable Yield (MSY) levels.

• To ensure the long term sustainability of commercial fish stocks, thus enabling

the fish industry to operate in a sustainable and profitable way.

Wild Salmon and

Fresh Water

Fisheries

• To sustainably manage migratory and freshwater fish and fisheries resources

and provide significant economic and social benefits for the people of Scotland.

• To ensure the impact of developments on salmon and freshwater fisheries are

given due consideration before implementation.

• To identify priority areas for migratory and freshwater fish and fisheries, and

investigate salmon marine mortality and migratory routes.

Aquaculture By 2020:

• To increase the sustainable production of marine finfish at a rate of 4% per

annum to achieve a 50% increase in current production.

• To increase the sustainable freshwater production of juvenile salmon and trout

by 50%.

• To increase the sustainable production of shellfish, mussels especially, by at

least 100%.

Oil and Gas • To deliver maximum value at minimum environmental cost to Scotland. As

resource exhaustion approaches, reuse or remove the maximum infrastructure

as possible from the sea bed and water column.

• Where possible the industry should explore joint working with other sectors to

maximise value, transfer skills and knowledge and reduce environmental

impact.

Carbon Capture and

Storage

• To develop this sector to deliver both economic activity in Scotland and to assist

the delivery of Scotland’s climate change objectives.

13

Renewables • To turn Scotland’s renewable energy resources into a fully developed industry

contributing to the level of economic activity in Scotland and delivering climate

change objectives.

• To minimise the environmental impact from the construction and operation of

marine renewable and marine wind devices and facilitate the development of

sub sea electricity grids.

• Developing and reinforcing onshore and offshore grid in Scotland that connect

and transport renewable energy from the sites of best resource in, and around

the coast of Scotland.

Tourism and

Recreation

• To ensure continued access to the marine and coastal resource for leisure and

recreational use.

• To identify and map key coastal access points.

• To establish data availability on recreational activities taking place in the coastal

zone and offshore areas.

Marine Transport –

shipping, ports,

harbours, aviation,

ferries, Marine

Coastguard Agency

• To maintain efficient and economically viable vessel movements within and

around Scotland’s marine area.

• Take advantage of the lower environmental cost per tonne compared to road

transport.

• To support essential maritime transport links to island and remote mainland

communities.

Telecoms and

Cables

• To develop cable laying technology in order to bury future cables deeper and

reduce restriction of other seabed users, whilst maintaining access for

maintenance.

Military Activities • Continue to support the seas delivering military and security objectives whilst maintaining freedom of movement for the navy and other sea users.

Marine Nature

Conservation

• To ensure marine nature conservation is integral to marine management and

decision making and to promote sustainable use of marine resources.

• To contribute to protection and, where appropriate, recovery of the Scottish

marine area.

• To ensure successful conservation outcomes by managing development

pressures.

• To ensure conservation objectives in Marine Protected Areas are met.

• To mitigate for and adapt to climate change induced impacts on the marine

environment, including marine ecosystems.

• To improve evidence base for valuation of ecosystem services including

economic benefits of conservation action.

Marine Historic

Environment

• To realise the full potential of the marine historic environment as a resource –

cultural, educational, economic and social.

Coastal Protection

and Flood Defence

• To safeguard and enhance value of coastal land against climate change.

• To provide affordable protection against coastal change and flooding.

Water Abstraction • To ensure that water resources are safeguarded and that abstractions do not

damage the environment.

• To meet the reasonable needs of water users, while leaving enough water in

the environment to conserve river, lake, and habitats both human and animal.

• To prepare for increased risks of flooding because of wetter winters and periods

of intense rainfall.

14

Waste Water • Continually reduce emissions associated with pumping and treatment of waste

water.

• To enhance the quality of wastewater treatment to improve the quality of

discharges to rivers and the marine environment.

Aggregates and

Disposal

• To ensure that possible aggregate deposits are not rendered unexploitable by

other developments.

15

Ma

rin

e E

nv

iro

nm

en

t

Achie

ve G

ood E

nvironm

enta

l S

tatu

s b

y

2020

To

uri

sm

an

d R

ecre

ati

on

Enhance a

nd d

evelo

p

opport

unitie

s f

or

marine

recre

ation

Oil

an

d G

as

Deliv

er

maxim

um

valu

e a

t m

inim

al environm

enta

l cost

Fis

hin

g

Fis

h a

ll sto

cks a

t M

axim

um

Susta

inable

Y

ield

, susta

inin

g s

tocks,

the industr

y

and c

oasta

l com

munitie

s.

Ren

ew

ab

les

Pro

vid

e 1

0 G

iga W

atts

of

capacity b

y 2

020 in

pla

ce a

nd u

nder

constr

uction.

Aq

ua

cu

ltu

re

Incre

ase f

infish p

roduction b

y

50%

and s

hellf

ish p

roduction b

y

100%

by 2

020.

Tra

nsp

ort

Deliv

er

lifelin

e s

erv

ices a

nd

pro

tect

the £

1.5

bn c

ontr

ibution o

f S

cotland’s

port

s t

o t

he S

cottis

h

econom

y.

Co

ns

erv

ati

on

Susta

inably

manage o

ur

seas

usin

g a

thre

e p

illar

appro

ach.

Po

rts

Ensure

facili

ties a

re

availa

ble

to s

upport

re

new

able

s a

nd lifelin

e

serv

ices.

Wild

salm

on

an

d f

resh

wate

r fi

sh

eri

es

Susta

inably

manage f

isheries a

nd

identify

priority

are

as

Wate

r an

d C

oasta

l is

su

es

Pro

tect

the c

oast

again

st

change

and f

loodin

g;

safe

guard

wate

r re

sourc

es a

nd im

pro

ve

waste

wate

r qualit

y.

Fig

ure

4.2

Su

mm

ari

sed

Pri

ori

ties F

or

Key M

ari

ne I

nd

ustr

ies

16

CHAPTER 5 ASSESSMENT OF SCOTTISH MARINE AREA AND SIGNIFICANT PRESSURES

5.1 Scotlands’ Marine Atlas: Information for the National Marine Plan (Scotland’s Marine Atlas)7 provides a detailed assessment of the condition of Scotland’s seas and a summary of the pressures and human impacts. A summary is provided below.

Assessment

5.2 The assessment of the condition of Scotland’s seas has been based on scientific evidence and analysis, supported by expert judgement. The discussion in Annex A on food webs highlights the ability of the natural environment to change in response to pressures and the difficulty in judging whether change is for the better or worse. For ease the assessment is split into two categories: Clean and Safe, and Healthy and Biologically Diverse.

Clean and Safe

5.3 Overall, Scotland’s seas are clean and safe, although there are some localised problems. For example, sediments in harbours and estuaries remain contaminated by historical industrial discharges. Water quality in the Forth and Clyde estuaries is compromised by discharges of industrial effluent and sewage, although effluent treatment has improved. As a result populations of residential and migratory fish are supported. Historical contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls and tributyl tin have been banned and monitoring continues to assess their continued decline. Information is also being gathered on a range of other contaminants, including endocrine disrupters and brominated flame retardants, to assess their environmental impacts. Diffuse inputs of nutrients and bacteria have given rise to some localised problems in small east coast estuaries and at bathing beaches respectively. Action plans have been put in place to tackle these issues. Concerns such as marine litter and underwater noise have become more broadly recognised and will be addressed through the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Generally the effects of noise remain unquantified and unknown.

Healthy and Biologically Diverse

5.4 Scotland’s seas support a diverse array of habitats and species and contain nationally and internationally important populations of certain species. There is evidence that certain habitats have been impacted, for example shallow and shelf subtidal sediments, including burrowed mud habitats. This stems largely from the effects of fishing over large areas of the seabed and more localised impacts from activities such as aquaculture.

5.5 Low abundance of some demersal commercial fish species across the west coast of Scotland is a major concern and is being addressed through various initiatives. Improved knowledge of fishing activity and its impact on the marine

7 Scotland’s Marine Atlas: Information for the National Marine Plan www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas.

17

environment would be beneficial. Establishment of new fisheries should only be undertaken following careful assessment of viability and sustainability. Sharks, skates and rays face further declines and are severely depleted around the coast, although the number of sightings of basking sharks has increased in recent years. The declines are largely the consequence of historical unsustainable catches in both target and non target fisheries and their long lived, low fecundity life cycle.

5.6 Populations of some seabirds, harbour seals and some fish species have declined. Possible reasons include climate change and may be associated with broader changes in the food web.

5.7 Although in general the current assessment for cetaceans suggests there are no specific concerns, this has been made against a background of high levels of uncertainty and difficulties in detecting concerns if the currently exist.

Pressures

5.8 In the assessment of the condition of Scotland’s seas, a pressure is a human activity which could lead to an impact i.e. a change in the condition or state of an ecosystem component. Scotland’s extensive marine is subject to a wide range of pressures. While recognising there may be cumulative effects, a large number of individual pressures are too small a scale to be considered significant at the national level. However, some may have local impacts that could threaten rarer species and habitats.

5.9 There are two significant pressures on the Scottish marine area which are widespread:

� Human activity contributing to climate change;� Fishing, which impacts on the seabed and species.

5.10 There are various types of fishing, each of which exerts a different pressure on different components of the marine environment. For example bottom trawlers and scallop dredgers may damage the seabed while pelagic trawling gear does not normally do so.

5.11 Pressures which are becoming more widely recognised include marine litter and noise. However the impacts of these are not well understood. Some pressures may change in scale and location in the future, for example those associated with offshore oil and gas as new fields are discovered and others are decommissioned. Also, aquaculture may move offshore to less sheltered waters as technology develops.

5.12 New pressures are likely to include those associated with the storage of carbon dioxide deep under the seabed and renewable energy, including offshore wind, wave and tidal power. In particular, further work is required to determine the potential impacts of renewable energy, such as the general effects on shipping, fishing and biodiversity.

18

Response

5.13 Actions are in place to mitigate the effects of many of the pressures on the marine environment. These include education, awareness training and government activity, including regulation, licensing, monitoring, management and scientific research.

5.14 Marine monitoring programmes assess current status and trends and the effectiveness of mitigation measures such as pollution control. These programmes serve to identify gaps in knowledge. Global impacts are much more difficult to identify, measure and take action to mitigate.

19

CHAPTER 6 RELATED EUROPEAN DIRECTIVES

Marine Strategy Framework Directive

6.1 The Marine Strategy Framework Directive sets out the legislative framework for the achievement of Good Environmental Status (GES) in our marine and coastal waters. Management measures designed to achieve GES are required to be put in place by 2020. Implementation will involve an ecosystem based approach to the management of human activities, ensuring that the collective pressure of those activities is kept within levels compatible with the achievement of GES. Marine strategies for waters will comprise of:

� An assessment of the current state of UK marine waters by 2012;

� Characterisation of GES for UK waters, including the establishment of relevant targets and indicators by 2012;

� Development of monitoring programmes to measure progress towards GES by 2014; and

� Development by 2015 and implementation by 2016 of programmes of measures to achieve GES by 2020.

6.2 Scottish Ministers are the competent authority for the Directive for all of Scotland’s seas.

6.3 The objectives of this plan incorporate the descriptors of GES set out in the Directive. Therefore the plan will reflect and deliver the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive as it develops over time.

Water Framework Directive

6.4 The Water Framework Directive (WFD) was transposed into Scots Law in 2003 by the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003. It sets out the clear roles for Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in the protection of the water environment which includes wetlands, rivers, lochs, transitional waters (estuaries), coastal waters and groundwater.

6.5 The River Basin Management Planning (RBMP) process is instrumental to achieving environmental improvements to protect and improve our water environment in a sustainable way. It also provides regulations to control the adverse impacts of activities likely to have an effect on the water environment.

6.6 Most of the estuaries and coastal waters in Scotland are already good water quality but there are still plans set out in RBMPs for further improvement by 2027.

20

Coastal waters

6.7 In coastal waters, which extend out to three nautical miles, both the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive apply. However, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive only applies for aspects of GES that are not already addressed by the WFD. This includes issues such as the impacts of marine noise and litter and certain aspects of biodiversity. Specific environmental objectives for inland, estuarial and coastal waters are set out in statutory River Basin Management Plans. Environmental protection and improvement measures for marine waters and for aspects of coastal waters that are not covered by the Water Framework Directive will be set out in Marine Strategies developed under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

21

CHAPTER 7 NATIONAL MARINE PLAN - KEY OBJECTIVES

Scottish Government Objectives

7.1 The Scottish Government’s key purpose is to focus on creating a more successful country with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish through increasing sustainable economic growth. The Scottish Government’s view is that there should be a presumption of use for the marine area. This purpose is set around five strategic objectives and a set of purpose targets8. Those most relevant to marine planning are:

7.2 Our strategic objectives

� WEALTHIER & FAIRER – Enable businesses and people to increase their wealth and more people to share fairly in that wealth.

� GREENER – Improve Scotland’s natural and built environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it.

7.3 Purpose targets

� Economic Growth: To raise the GDP growth rate to the UK level by 2011 and to match the GDP growth rate of the small independent EU countries by 2017

� Sustainability: To reduce emissions over the period to 2011 and to reduce emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

7.4 National Objectives

In addition to the Scottish Government objectives outlined above, our draft plan includes High Level Marine Objectives (HLMO) agreed by the four administrations across the British Isles as well as Good Environmental Status (GES) indicators under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Clean and Safe Seas

� The coast, seas, oceans and their resources are safe to use. (HLMO 7) � Human-induced eutrophication is minimised, especially adverse effects

thereof, such as losses in biodiversity, ecosystems degradation, harmful algal blooms and oxygen deficiency in bottom waters. (GES 5)

� Concentrations of contaminants are at a levels not giving rise to pollution effects. (GES 8)

� Contaminants in fish and other seafood for human consumption do not exceed levels established by Community legislation or other relevant standards. (GES 9)

� Properties and quantities of marine litter do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment. (GES 10)

8 Scotland Performs: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/scotPerforms

22

� Introduction of energy, including underwater noise, is at levels that do not clause harm to the coastal and marine environmental. (GES 11)

Healthy and Biologically Diverse Seas

� Biodiversity is protected, conserved and recovered where appropriate. (HLMO 11)

� Healthy marine habitats occur across their natural range and are able to support strong, bio diverse biological communities and the functioning of healthy resilient and adaptable marine ecosystems. (HLMO 12)

� Our Oceans support viable populations of rare, vulnerable and valued species. (HLMO 13)

� The loss of biodiversity has been halted. (HLMO 14) � Biological diversity is maintained and recovered where appropriate. The

quality and occurrence of habitats and the distribution and abundance of species, including those which have been identified as rare, vulnerable and valued, are in line with prevailing physiographic, geographic and climatic conditions. (Amended from GES 1)

� Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystems. (GES 2)

� All elements of the marine food webs, to the extent that they are known, occur at normal abundance and diversity and levels capable of ensuring the long-term abundance of the species and the retention of their full reproductive capacity. (GES 4)

� Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions does not adversely affect marine ecosystems. (GES 7)

� Sea-floor integrity is at a level that ensures that the structure and functions of the ecosystem are safeguarded and the benthic ecosystems, in particular, are not adversely affected. (GES 6)

Productive Seas, contributing to the needs of people

� Marine businesses are acting in a way which respects environmental limits and is socially responsible. This is rewarded in the marketplace. (HLMO 4)

� People appreciate the value of the marine environment, its natural and cultural heritage and its resources and act responsibly. (HLMO 5)

� The marine environment plays an important role in mitigating climate change. (HLMO 8)

� Infrastructure is in place to support and promote safe, profitable and efficient marine businesses. (HLMO 1)

� Long-term wealth is generated by the responsible use of the marine environment and its resources. (HLMO 2)

� The use of the marine environment is benefiting society as a whole, contributing to resilient and cohesive communities. (HLMO 6)

� There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wider range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the seas play a significant role in their community. (HLMO 9)

23

� Populations of all commercially exploited fish and shellfish are within safe biological limits, exhibiting a population ages and size distribution that is indicative of a healthy stock. (GES 3)

Better Governance of the Sea

� All those who have a stake in the marine environmental have an input into associated decision-making. (HLMO 15)

� Marine and coastal management mechanisms are responsive and work effectively together, for example through integrated coastal zone management. (HLMO 16)

� Marine management in the UK takes account of different management systems that are in place because of administrative, political or international boundaries. (HLMO 17)

� Marine businesses are subject to clear, timely, proportionate and plan-led regulation. (HLMO 18)

� The precautionary principle is applied consistently in accordance with the UK Government and Devolved Administrations’ sustainable development policy. (HLMO 22)

� The use of the marine environment is spatially planned and based on an ecosystem approach which takes account of climate change and recognizes the protection needs of individual historic assets. (HLMO 19)

� Our understanding of the marine environment continues to develop through new scientific research and date collection. (HLMO 20)

� Sound evidence and monitoring is made accessible and available and underpins effective marine management and policy development. (Amended from HLMO 21)

� Marine businesses are taking long-term strategic decisions and managing risks effectively. They are competitive and operating efficiently. (HLMO 3)

� Use of the marine environment will recognise, and integrate with, defence priorities, including the strengthening of international peace and stability and the defence of the United Kingdom and its interests. (HLMO 10)

7.5 The National Marine Plan has been developed to clarify overall objectives which provide the basis for managing Scotland’s marine environment.

24

CHAPTER 8 CLIMATE CHANGE OBJECTIVES (CLIMATE CHANGE (SCOTLAND) ACT)

8.1 The Climate Change (Scotland) Act, requires Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions, including its share of those from international aviation and shipping, to be at least 80% lower in 2050 compared with 1990 levels. An interim target will require emissions to be at least 34% below 1990 levels by 2020; and 42% by 2020 if the EU decides to increase its 2020 emission reduction target to 30% below 1990 levels, following a global deal on climate change.

8.2 In general it is likely that a healthier ecosystem will deal with the impact of climate change more easily than a less healthy ecosystem and therefore the ecosystem objectives set in the marine plan will have a role to play in managing the adaptation to climate change. The Scottish Government is developing a revised Sector Action Plan for Marine and Fisheries as part of the updated Climate Change Adaptation Framework9. This may help to inform the development of climate change objectives for the national marine plan.

Mitigation and Adaptation

8.3 The Act also requires Scottish Ministers:

� to reduce greenhouse gas emissions year on year, every year from 2010 to 2050

� to increase the rate of reduction from 2020 onwards to at least 3% per year

� to specify more detailed annual targets in 2010, for each year to 2022.

8.4 Scotland’s Climate Change Adaptation Framework is designed to help manage the risks and safe communities from the impacts of climate change. It is a vital catalyst in building resilience and capacity to adapt to change. Having released this Framework, the Scottish Government is leading and challenging all sectors to take action and play their part in adapting to the future impacts of the changing climate.

8.5 We are already observing large changes in our marine environment. In future, climate models suggest we can expect fewer but more severe storms. This will contribute to an increased flood risk from both rivers and the seas. Also, coastal erosion and steepening of inter-tidal profiles are expected to increase due to the effects of sea level rise and changes to wave conditions. Climate change is also expected to increase ocean acidification and potentially slow the Atlantic Heat Conveyor (of which the well known Gulf Stream is a part). However this will not significantly alter its warming effect on the UK.

9 Climate Change Adaptation Framework, Scottish Government

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/climatechange/scotlands-

action/adaptation/AdaptaitonFramework/TheFramework

25

Marine Ecosystems

8.6 Observations show:

� The seasonal timing of plankton production has altered, with some species occurring up to four - six weeks earlier than 20 years ago;

� Abundances of warm-water fish species (e.g. red mullet, John Dory, trigger fish) have increased in UK waters while many cold-water species have declined; and

� Harmful algal blooms, a natural phenomenon, have increased in some areas of the north east Atlantic over the past 50 years as the seas have warmed.

26

CHAPTER 9 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT IN THE MARINE AREA

Different marine interests will be treated with fairness when decisions are being made in the marine environment.

9.1 The concept of the marine environment being managed in a sustainable manner for the benefit of the nation as a whole is integral to marine planning. It is therefore important that all marine interests are represented by marine planning and are treated fairly within the decision making process. Inclusion within the marine planning framework will ensure that those who wish to access and use the marine environment can do so in an integrated and responsible way.

There is a presumption in favour of development. Any development in the marine environment will be considered within the context of national priorities which provide a basis for conflict resolution.

9.2 The National Marine Plan provides a framework within which the Scottish Government’s approach to development in the marine area can be communicated. The direction provided in the Plan will allow marine users to consider the development of their sector within the context of national priorities and in alignment with other interests. The strategic direction will provide for consistent decision making in the marine environment and will offer greater confidence to developers. In this way it will provide a basis for conflict resolution between marine interests.

CULTURAL HERITAGE

Development should take account of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets.

9.3 Marine planning authorities, working with the relevant regulator and advisors, should take account of the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets and should adopt a general presumption in favour of the conservation of designated heritage assets within an appropriate setting. The more significant the asset, the greater the presumption in favour of its conservation. Substantial loss or harm to designated assets should be exceptional, and should not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the harm or loss is necessary in order to deliver social, economic or environmental benefits that outweigh the harm or loss.

27

9.4 Where the loss of the whole or a material part of a heritage asset’s significance is justified, the marine plan authority should identify and require suitable mitigating actions to record and advance understanding of the significance of the heritage asset before it is lost. Requirements should be based on advice from the relevant regulator and advisors.

LANDSCAPE/SEASCAPE

Developments in the marine environment should take account of the impacts on the special qualities for which a National Scenic Area is designated.

9.5 Landscape and seascape are important elements of peoples’ enjoyment of the coastal and marine environment.

9.6 A National Scenic Area (NSA) is a land-based area which is nationally important for its scenic quality. Of the 40 NSAs, 26 include coastal and/or marine features. A NSA is afforded protection through the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006. Development in the marine environment that significantly affects a NSA should normally be permitted where:

� it will not adversely affect the integrity of the area or the qualities for which it has been designated; or

� any such adverse effects are clearly outweighed by social, environmental, climate change or economic benefits of national importance.

9.7 Development in the marine environment should, in general, take into account the existing character and quality of the seascape, how highly it is valued and its capacity to accommodate change.10 The Scottish Government is considering developing further guidance on sea/landscape issues.

AIR QUALITY

Developments in the marine environment should take air quality issues into account, especially relevant air quality limits.

9.8 Marine planning authorities should liaise with terrestrial planning authorities to consider how air quality may be improved, particularly where development may be adjacent to coastal Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). In all cases, the marine plan authority should take account of relevant statutory air quality limits.11

10

UK Marine Policy Statement, UK Administrations, 2011 (Chapter: 2.6.5)

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/international/MPS11

UK Marine Policy Statement, UK Administrations, 2011(Chapter: 2.6.2)


28

SOIL – GEOMORPHOLOGY, SEABED, COASTAL PROCESSES

Developments and activities will be resilient to, and will not unacceptably impact upon, coastal change.

9.9 Marine planning authorities should be satisfied that activities and developments will be resilient to risks of coastal change and flooding, and will not have an unacceptable impact on coastal change. Latest projections for sea level rise should be taken into account when determining coastal flood risk. When developing Regional Marine Plans, the marine plan authorities should liaise with terrestrial planning authorities, drawing on relevant coastal policies or strategies. Marine planning authorities should not consider developments which may affect areas at high risk and probability of coastal change unless the impacts upon it can be managed. Plans should seek to minimise and mitigate any geomorphological changes that an activity or development will have on coastal processes, including sediment movement.12

9.10 Consideration should also be given to the protection of coastal Sites of Special Scientific Interest designated for their geological/geomorphological interests.13

WATER QUALITY AND RESOURCE

Developments should not result in a deterioration of the ecological status of any water to which the Water Framework Directive applies.

9.11 The Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims to improve and integrate the way water bodies, including coastal waters are managed throughout Europe by ensuring a reliable and high quality supply of water, a reduction in groundwater pollution, and the protection of marine and other waters. It requires water bodies to achieve ‘good ecological status’ by 2015 and introduces River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) as the delivery mechanism for this target. The Directive is transposed in Scotland through the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003.

12

UK Marine Policy Statement, UK Administrations, 2011(Chapter: 2.6.8)

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/international/MPS13

UK Marine Policy Statement, UK Administrations, 2011(Chapter: 3.1)


29

Marine planning authorities should be satisfied that water impacts have been taken into account. In particular, reference should be made to the ‘ecological status of the water environment’ rather than just water quality. Good ecological status includes water quality and also water quantity. This includes changes to water level and flow, and structure and shape of our waters. Good Ecological Status also includes biological aspects such as the impact of non-native species.

9.12 Marine planning authorities should ensure they have regard to any relevant Water Framework Directive River Basin Management Plan or supplementary plan and the programme of measures devised for the river basin district. They should satisfy themselves where relevant that any development will not cause a deterioration in status of any water to which the WFD applies, subject to the provision of Article 4.7 of that Directive, and should be consistent with the requirements of daughter directives of the WFD including those on priority substances and groundwater. Decision makers should also take into account impacts on the quality of designated bathing waters from any proposed development.

9.13 The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive also introduces requirements for new targets on contamination and eutrophication for marine waters.

NATURE CONSERVATION, BIODIVERSITY, FLORA AND FAUNA

Development should aim to avoid harm to marine ecology, biodiversity and geological conservation interests, including through location, mitigation and consideration of reasonable alternatives.

9.14 Marine planning authorities should ensure that appropriate weight is attached to:

� designated sites of international, national and local importance; � protected species; to habitats and other species of principal importance

for the conservation of biodiversity; and to geological interests within the wider environment;

� populations of wildlife species enjoying statutory protection or other species and habitats of principal importance for conservation should be protected from the adverse effects of development, where appropriate;

� where significant harm cannot be avoided then appropriate compensatory and mitigation measures should be sought.

9.15 The impact of climate change on nature conservation, biodiversity, flora and fauna are complex and not always easy to predict. Increased monitoring is seen as key to develop our understanding of climate change and its impact on ecological systems.

30

CHAPTER 10 INTERACTIONS MATRIX

10.1 The National Marine Plan aims to improve integration and reduce complexity of the marine management. It makes sense in this respect to begin with a look at an interactions matrix which provides an initial view of the likely level of interactions between the range of marine users.

Figure 10.1 Marine activites interaction matrix N

ew

Renew

able

s -

win

d o

pera

tion

Renew

able

s -

wave,

tidal opera

tion

Renew

able

s -

constr

uction

Com

merc

ial sea f

isheries

Com

merc

ial fishin

g -

sta

tic g

ear

Aquaculture

- f

ish

Aquaculture

- s

hellf

ish

Recre

ation

Tourism

Constr

uction

Port

s &

harb

ours

Port

s &

harb

ours

- d

redgin

g

Ship

pin

g

Tele

com

s &

cable

s

Aggre

gate

s

Avia

tion

His

toric a

sse

ts

Mili

tary

opera

tions

Offshore

oil

& g

as e

xplo

ration

Carb

on c

aptu

re &

explo

ration

Wild

salm

on

Conserv

ation

Wate

r abstr

action

DEGREE OF INTERACTION

G = Green LOW

A = Amber LOW - MEDIUM

B = Blue MEDIUM - HIGH

R = Red HIGH

Water abstraction

Aviation

Historic assets

Military operations

Offshore oil & gas exploration

Carbon capture & storage

Ports & harbours - dredging

Shipping

Telecoms & cables

Aggregates

Wild salmon

Conservation

Aquaculture - fish

Aquaculture - shellfish

Recreation

Tourism

Construction

Ports & harbours

Existing

Renewables - wind operation

Renewables - wave, tidal operation

Renewables - construction

Commercial sea fisheries

Commercial fishing - static gear

10.2 The matrix suggests there is a wide range of interactions and a variety of intensity of interactions between different sectors. Some of the conclusions are not surprising, for example that there is a possibility of a high level of interaction between fishing and renewable energy. All interactions will require careful management.

31

CHAPTER 11 HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT

11.1 Sixteen sectors have been identified which contain key sectoral objectives, challenges and policies. For each sector we have outlined:

� Key challenges

� Objectives

� Background

� Current situation

� Environmental impacts

� Economic impacts

� Spatial constraints

� Future - short, medium and long term goals

11.2 The sector reports provide a synopsis of current and future plans which will contribute to the National Marine Plan. They are by no means conclusive and we welcome your input to develop these further and explore the potential interactions and synergies between sectors. The next draft of the Plan will include greater integration of the objectives and outline futures.

32

CHAPTER 12 SECTOR REPORTS

Section Sector Page

1.1 Fisheries

1.2 Wild Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries

1Food

1.3 Aquaculture

3545

50

2.1 Oil and Gas

2.2 Carbon Capture and Storage 2 Energy

2.3 Renewables

626669

3 Tourism and Recreation 77

4Marine transport; Shipping, Ports, Harbour, Aviation, Ferries and Maritime and Coastguard Agency

87

5 Telecommunication and Cables 96

6 Military Activities 99

7.1 Marine Nature Conservation 7 Marine Environment

7.2 Marine Historic Environment

102111

8.1 Coastal Protection and Flood Defence

8.2 Water Abstraction

117

1218 Coastal/Water

8.3 Waste Water 124

9 Aggregates and Disposal 127

33

SECTION 1 FOOD

Introduction

Fishing provides a source of fresh food and also supports remote rural communities around Scotland’s coast. As the population of the UK rises (UK prediction for 61 million to 78 million by 2050)14, there will be a greater demand for food products, including fish. Whilst there are environmental impacts of fishing, these are often less so than other methods of food production, and on average produces less greenhouse gases compared to other sources of dietary protein.15

Fish is a healthy, nutritious food, high in protein and essential nutrients; oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon and tuna are particularly good sources of Vitamins A and D as well as omega-3 fatty acids. It is strongly recommended as part of a healthy diet and represents a sustainable and renewable food resource, with a low climate-change impact. Fish in primary or processed forms is the largest sector of Scottish food exports. Scotland therefore has a well-established presence and market strength in the sector on which this Plan is intended to build. The reputation for quality of produce is one that Scotland must build upon.

As demand for food increases and consumers diversify their diet, our fish resources will come under increasing pressure. Europe imports around 66% of seafood products, often from less sustainable sources than EU fisheries. There is therefore an obligation to meet as much of the demand for fish products from sustainable, local sources as possible.16 Fish populations are a naturally renewable resource, and it is only by managing Scotland’s fish stocks effectively so that they remain healthy will they be able to continue to provide a future harvest and fulfil their function in our marine ecosystems.

The global challenge of food supply has recently been highlighted in a Foresight report on the Future of Food and Farming17. Simply stated the report sets out some key considerations influencing future food security, including:

� the global population is rapidly growing from the present 6.9 bn to 9 bn by 2050, requiring a very substantial increase in global food production;

� global climate change is predicted to reduce the productivity of land areas between the equators because of rising temperature and reduced water supply, and greater variability in local weather patterns generally will affect harvests in many parts of the world, increasing supply volatility;

14

Charting Progress 2, UKMMAS. 2010 Chapter 3, p40

http://chartingprogress.defra.gov.uk/15

Fisheries and Energy Use. Tyedmers, P (2004). Encyclopedia of Energy, Volume 2, 683-693 16

Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, European Commission 2010

http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/reform/intro/index_en.htm17

Foresight. The Future of Food and Farming, Executive Summary. The Government Office for Science 2011

http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/bispartners/foresight/docs/food-and-farming/11-547-future-of-food-and-farming-summary.pdf

34

� increasing prosperity in developing countries will be accompanied by an increasing consumer demand for high protein foods such as milk, eggs, red meat, poultry and fish.

Focusing on fish in particular, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations18 has shown a well-established upward trend in global fish consumption, driven both by the growing population and by an increased consumption of fish per capita. It has also estimated that about one quarter of the world’s fishstocks are overexploited, depleted or recovering from depletion; a further half are being fully exploited or fished close to their sustainable limit; and only about one quarter of stocks could produce more. Against this background FAO concludes that further global growth in aquaculture is the way forward in ensuring fish supply.

The European Union is a massive consumer of fish. Its sea fisheries are under some pressures, with some fish stocks showing significant depletion. Reflecting this position the EU published its Strategy for the Sustainable Development of Aquaculture (2009)19 which will be implemented as part of the planned reform of the Common Fisheries Policy in 2012. At the time this strategy was published, the EU aquaculture sector was producing 0.64 million tonnes of finfish covering a wide variety of species, including catfish, eels, flatfish, sturgeon, halibut, turbot and tilapia. However, salmon, trout, carp, sea bass and sea bream accounted for 96% of the fish grown. The UK is the largest aquaculture producer in the European Community, growing 30% by volume of the Community's total production, and the Scottish aquaculture industry represents 90% by value of all UK aquaculture20.

Although this Plan is primarily concerned with marine resources, the nature of the food sector requires a somewhat broader approach. Scotland produces fish and shellfish from its commercial sea fishing and aquaculture sectors, and the latter has both coastal marine and freshwater aspects. Additionally, outwith food production, Scotland provides prime seawater and freshwater angling, which are important as recreational resources and for the tourist industry. Thus the sections which follow cover commercial sea fishing, aquaculture and recreational and game fishing.

18

The State of Food Insecurity in the World, Addressing food insecurity in protracted crises, 2010]

http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/i1683e/i1683e.pdf19

Aquaculture planning: policy formulation and implementation for sustainable development. FAO, 2010

http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/i1617e/i1617e00.pdf20

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2003/03/16842/20506

35

SECTION 1.1 FISHERIES

Key Challenges

To achieve and then maintain fishing pressure on all fish stocks at Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) levels.

To ensure the long term sustainability of commercial fish stocks, thus enabling the fish industry to operate in a sustainable and profitable way.

Objectives

Background

Fishing is a long established use of marine resources and is the most widespread human pressure in our waters. Most fishing activity by Scottish licensed vessels occurs within the Scottish fisheries zone i.e. waters within British fishery limits adjacent to Scotland out to 200 nm (see Figure 12.1). British vessels have exclusive rights to fish within 6nm. Between 6 and 12nm, fishing by non-UK vessels is restricted to those with historic rights relating to specific fisheries and specific countries. Beyond 12nm the regulation of fishing vessels is managed by the EU, although Member States can impose additional regulations on their own vessels.

� Safeguard the health of Scotland’s commercial fish stocks. � To ensure the continued harvest of commercial fish stocks in a sustainable

way.� To ensure access to those stocks. � To ensure all stocks are managed by long-term management plans. � To reduce bycatch and move towards discard-free fisheries through increased

selectivity and through a system of catch quotas. � Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to enable regionalised

management of fisheries with industry empowered in the decision making process.

� To ensure the fishing fleet is resilient and adaptable. � To ensure the special role that fishing plays in coastal communities is

recognised and considered.

36

Figure 12.1 Illustration of the 6NM, 12NM and 200NM boundaries.

Current situation

The following species make up the bulk of Scottish catches: Mackerel and herring (pelagic); haddock, cod and monkfish (whitefish); Scottish langoustine (Nephrops);crabs and scallops (other shellfish).

The Scottish fishing fleet can be split into four broad sectors:

• The pelagic fleet which mainly targets herring and mackerel. It is comprised of a relatively small number of large, profitable vessels.

• The demersal or whitefish fleet targets bottom-dwelling fish in two types of fishery: the roundfish fishery in the North Sea and west of Scotland (which comprises cod, haddock, whiting and saithe) and the species found in the deeper water to the north and west of Scotland.

• The mixed demersal and shellfish fleet are the boats from the whitefish fleet which move between whitefish and Nephrops fisheries (prawn, or langoustine, fisheries).

• The shellfish fleet is those vessels that specialise in shellfish such as scallops and Nephrops. They tend to operate within the inshore waters of the west coast, east coast, Borders, Fife, and south west of Scotland. A high proportion of these vessels are under 10m.

37

Most Scottish vessels fish within 0-6NM. The Scottish inshore fleet is almost dependent on shellfish21. Nephrops can be caught by creeling and trawling and on occasion this can lead to conflict between fishing methods in certain areas.

A map illustrating Scottish ports, and the volume and value of fish caught in Scottish waters and landed can be found on page 147 of Scotland’s Marine Atlas. Maps illustrating the Average Effort (kW Days) in Scotland’s seas by all UK vessels, and by foreign vessel activity can be found on pages 148 and 149 of the Atlas.

The health of our key commercial stocks varies across regions and sectors, as does the availability of scientific data. Scotland leads the way in Europe on fisheries conservation, bringing about improvements in the sustainability of fish stocks:

• Over 50% of Scottish fisheries are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council or on track to receive the gold standard of sustainability;

• Over 70% of key commercial stocks harvested in-line with scientific advice; • Scotland was ranked number one in Europe by WWF, alongside Denmark, for

fisheries conservation measures taken in the North Sea in 2009.

Overall, actions taken by the Scottish fleet have resulted in fishing pressure moving towards (and, in certain cases, reaching) sustainable levels. However, for some stocks, particularly West of Scotland demersal stocks, despite action being taken no significant decline in fishing pressure has been noted. Assessments of shellfish stock size produce a mixed picture across and within regions. Further information on the assessment of our commercially exploited stocks can be found in Scotland’s Seas: Towards Understanding their State.22

Environmental impacts

Due to the widespread nature of fishing activity, fishing has a more pervasive impact on the marine environment than other activities. However, the degree of effect on the environment depends on the type of fishing gear used and the nature and robustness of species and habitats to fishing activity. More information on the environmental pressures and impacts arising from the fishing sector can be found on page 149 of the Scotland’s Marine Atlas.

Fish stocks are affected by a number of factors such as salinity, temperature, algae production, sediment type. There are also seasonal, temporal and climatic changes. Industrial developments can also create pressures on fish stocks for example: release of endocrine-disrupting substances from sewage works; pesticides, plastics manufacturing, extraction of sand and gravel (the list is not exhaustive).

21

“Scotland’s Seas: Towards Understanding their State”, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/04/03093608/1122

P104-5 of “Scotland’s Seas: Towards Understanding their State”,


38

Impacts of fishing activity on species

Commercial fishing can impact marine productivity and biodiversity. The degree of impact is related to the amount of fishing taking place, as well as the efficiency and selectivity of the gear and species targeting patterns.

Commercial fisheries exert a significant pressure on target and non-target fish populations both directly through fishery removals, and indirectly by removing predators, prey, competitors and essential habitats. This can potentially impact on other species by disturbing the balance of processes in the food web. Annex A provides a more detailed discussion on food webs.

It is inevitable even in the most selective fisheries that some species will be caught unintentionally. Some of this ‘bycatch’ can be sold, but much of it is unwanted and discarded into the sea, which is an inefficient use of the resource. It is estimated that discards of cod, haddock and whiting by Scottish vessels fishing in the North Sea and West of Scotland in 2009 would have been worth in the region of £38 million at first point of sale23. There are ways of reducing discards of unwanted species such as the use of gear technical measures (square-meshed escape panels) and the encouragement of behaviour which reduces unwanted catches (for example: the use of jiggers, real-time closures to avoid juvenile cod, and marking fishing nets with pingers to avoid catching cetaceans).

Impacts of fishing activity on habitats

Fishing using mobile gear can adversely affect the sea bed. This may ultimately impact on the marine resource available by reducing productivity and diversity through the effect of fishing gears on the wider marine ecosystems and habitats. Beam trawling and scallop dredging are the most damaging to sea bed habits, although there is little beam trawling in Scotland’s Seas.

In highly dynamic environments with mobile sediments the effects of towed fishing gears are not likely to be long lasting, but in low energy environments this may not be the case. Open structured seabed features supporting complex communities, for example 'maerl' beds, are also known to be vulnerable to dredging. Offshore, slow-growing deepwater corals areas have also exhibited trawl damage. Areas frequently trawled may also suffer damage to species of bivalve molluscs, sea urchins and polychaetes.

Sea bed (benthic) habitats are important to fisheries because they provide fishing grounds (e.g. for Nephrops), and nursery, feeding, recruitment, areas and environmental heterogeneity for fish species. Additionally, a healthy benthic community may be able to support the recovery of less healthy benthic habitats in other areas of the sea. Figure 12.2 illustrates the distribution of seabed sediments.

23

Future of Fisheries Management in Scotland’ 2010 page 4 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/11/02103454/21 -

39

It will be increasingly important to protect the seabed in order to achieve Good Environmental Status under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. This may mean activities that would have an impact on the seafloor could be controlled in such a way to minimise damage and help ensure healthy seabed communities. It may be possible to do this by identifying areas which are unfished or lightly fished, and controlling current or future fishing activities there to help minimise damage to the seabed.

The Scottish Government accepts that fishing activity can adversely affect the marine environment, and in recognising the importance of the activity it will work towards reducing the environmental damage where possible.

Figure 12.2 Distribution of seabed sediments around Scotland24

24

Scotland’s Seas Towards Understanding their State 2008, page 32 (courtesy of British Geological Survey)

40

Climate change

Although the full implications of climate change on fish stocks are far from certain, there is evidence of changes in the plankton distribution which may have repercussions for fish stocks.

Distributions of some exploited and non-exploited fish species have responded to an increase in sea temperatures by increasing their ranges northward to deeper waters over the past three decades25 In addition, some fish species with a more southern distribution have migrated northwards.

Sea temperature and other climate induced environmental factors have been shown to alter fish community structure through changes in distribution, migration, recruitment and growth, and this may affect economically important cold adapted species. Increasing sea temperatures could result in the arrival of non-native species which would have unknown consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem function. Ocean acidification as a result of climate change is likely to impact on plankton and hard shelled marine organisms such as corals and molluscs thereby giving rise to impacts on food webs.

Predictions suggest that the assemblage of fishes that exist in Scottish waters in years to come may change. Commercial fisheries will need to adapt to the impact of climate change and potential vulnerability of some habitats and species, as well as the possibility of increased storminess and more dangerous sea conditions.

Opportunities may arise for commercial fisheries if warmer water species extend northwards into Scotland’s seas. Existing more southerly species such as Red Mullet, John Dory and Bass may also experience increased productivity in years with higher temperatures. There has been a marked increase in Hake abundance in the Northern North Sea. Managing these changes may present significant challenges to current fisheries management structures.

Economic Impact

The total landings value of fish by Scottish vessels in 2009 was £443 million26, of which the inshore catch is estimated to be worth £78 million27. The total number of people employed in sea fishing in 2009 was 5,409, representing 0.2% of the total Scottish labour force. In 2009 the first sale value of fish landed from Scottish waters was £415 million. This figure includes landings by all UK vessels and landings by foreign vessels into the UK.

An illustration showing the distribution of the value and volume of fish caught in Scottish seas can be found on page 147 of Scotland’s Marine Atlas.

25

Charting Progress 2, 2010 Chapter 6

http://chartingprogress.defra.gov.uk/climate-change-healthy-and-biologically-diverse-seas26

For further details on landings, fleet structure, number of fishermen employed in Scotland, quota uptake by the Scottish fleet

see; http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/09/15155811/2127

Source: Marine Analytical Unit – Marine Scotland Science

41

A number of factors can impact on the profitability of the fishing sector for example: the cost of access to fishing opportunities (costs of access to quotas and fishing effort); reduction in catch per unit effort; increase in first sale prices for fish; improvements in fish availability and prices and the development of business management and marketing skills.

Commercial fishing employment is mainly in the catching and processing sector. Although fishermen represent a small percentage of the national workforce, fishing (from capture to handling, processing and marketing and final sale) is a particularly important socio-economic activity in Scotland, particularly in remote coastal regions where few alternative employment opportunities exist. A number of distinctive fishery dependent regions in Scotland have been identified: 1) North East Mainland comprising Fraserburgh and Peterhead port districts; 2) Shetland; 3) West Coast Mainland (Mallaig, Oban and Portree); and 4) Outer Isles (Stornoway). Together they account for 70% of Scottish landings by value. The North Mainland (Scrabster) and the North West Mainland (Lochinver, Kinlochbervie, Ullapool) are together responsible for a further 15% of landings by value28.

Not all fish and shellfish landed into Scotland are destined for local consumption.Most of the fish caught in Scotland’s seas is exported while most fish eaten within Scotland is imported. Scottish seafood exports are estimated to be worth around £500 million, representing more than 62 per cent by value of total Scottish food exports (£805 million).29 Exports are mainly high value species such as salmon and Nephrops, and mackerel and herring. Imports are mainly of cod, haddock, tuna, shrimps and prawns, and for cod and haddock, imports are in excess of exports.

Any future increase in the price of oil will also have an important impact as a large proportion of a vessels’ budget goes on fuel.

Spatial constraints

The fishing industry needs to access fish stocks that they are exploiting. The main competitors for space are with offshore renewables, oil and gas, marine protected areas, aquaculture and expansion of ports. Marine developments and fixed structures are of particular concern for inshore fisheries. There is also competition for space between static and mobile fishing fleets, for example Nephrops fishing in creel grounds, and squid fishing in creel grounds.

The likely development of oilfields to the West of the Shetlands and offshore renewable energy round the coast of Scotland creates the possibility of conflict. Solid structures such as oil platforms potentially impede fishing activity but so far have a relatively small footprint compared to available fishing area. Nevertheless, the effect can be substantial at the local level. Offshore structures may reduce the area available for fisheries. There are also potential impacts during the construction and testing periods. On the other hand the installation of structures can sometimes provide beneficial effects as fish refuge areas or sites which favour recruitment.

28

Further details on coastal communities can be found in ‘Future of Fisheries Management in Scotland’, 2010.


Food and Drink in Scotland: Key Facts 2010 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/11/18094010/6

42

Spatial projects and activities, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas may cause displacement of fishing activity resulting in increased fishing pressure in other areas. Although the wholescale displacement of fishing from an area would not be anticipated, for species where stocks are more localised (e.g. lobster and velvet crabs) fishermen may be unable to relocate to another area as a result of either the lack of vessel capacity or the absence of the relevant stocks.

Future

Fishing will continue to be a commercial activity in our waters to meet the increasing demand to source safe food from the sea. The exploitation of fisheries will continue to have an impact on marine ecosystems, habitats, biodiversity and production. The challenge is to minimise impacts whilst ensuring a future for the fishing industry enabling it to sustainably provide a safe food resource for the future.

The short, medium and long term objectives for the sector are to have a well managed fleet fishing sustainable stocks. To achieve this the Scottish Government published a 'Four Pillar'30 fisheries management plan during September 2010 which represents a new approach to fisheries management. This was followed with The Inquiry into the Future Fisheries Management in Scotland 201031 which outlined the vision of how Scotland’s fishing industry would look in 2020 - that is “a profitable, competitive but smaller and structurally diverse industry capable of formulating and implementing a coherent strategy for its own development without recourse to government subsidy”.

Marine planning authorities need to take into account of the need for food supplies from sustainable fisheries sources. They should also acknowledge the specific nature of regional fisheries and the social and economic framework in which they operate. Planning authorities and industry should work together to ensure that the requirements of the sector and the likely environmental, socio-economic or other impacts of any proposed developments or activity are understood, so that they achieve their goals whilst mitigating unnecessary impacts, and ensure there is an appropriate balance of activities in the Scottish marine area.

Relevant factors when deciding on the use of the marine area for development, activities or conservation purposes should include:

� The economic and physical impact on access to fishing stocks � The disturbance to fishing stocks � Environmental impact on the fishing grounds (e.g. nursery, spawning areas) � The potential effect of displacement activity on stocks � The effects on discrete locations for certain species � The timing of particular developments and activities � The impact of contaminants to the seas and the health of fish.

30

Four Pillar Action Plan, 2010

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Sea-Fisheries/ScottishFisheriesCounci/FourPillarPlan-SFCAmended31

The Future of Fisheries Management in Scotland: Report of an Independent Panel Inquiry into Future Fisheries Management

- http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/11/02103454/21

43

The spawning period for most commercial species in British waters is illustrated below. Further information on spawning and nursery areas can be found in “Fishery Sensitivity Maps in British Waters - Spawning Periods For Main Commercial Species.”32 Maps illustrating the spawning and nursery areas of some of the commercial fish species can also be found on the Marine Scotland website33.

Figure 12.3 Spawning period for main commercial fish species

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Cod * *

Haddock * * *

Whiting

Saithe * *

Plaice * *

Norway pout (shelf) * *

Norway pout (deep)

Blue whiting * *

Sprat * *

Lemon sole

Sole *

Mackerel (N Sea) * * *

Mackerel (Western) * *

Herring

(Buchan/Shetland)

( Banks/Dogger )

(SE England)

(SW Ireland)

( NW Scotland)

( Clyde )

( Mourne )

( NW Ireland/ )

Sandeel

Nephrops * * *

Spawning Period

Peak Spawning *

Source – Fishery Sensitivity Maps in British Waters - Spawning Periods For Main Commercial Species32

32

Fisheries Sensitivity maps in British waters, 199833

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/national

44

Short term plans

In the short term it is likely that fisheries management will continue to focus on moving towards and maintaining MSY. Fishing opportunities for commercial stocks that are out-with precautionary limits will be reduced whilst they recover. The adaptability of the Scottish fleet may however result in commercial fishing opportunities which are not, or cannot be, presently exploited being targeted.

Medium term plans

The management of fish stocks in Scotland’s waters beyond 12nm is a matter for the EU CFP, which is under review. A new CFP is due to take effect in 2013.

The Scottish Government has been at the forefront of promoting the delegation of decision making away from Brussels to Member States and stakeholders with greatest interest and knowledge of regional fisheries. A regionalised European fisheries policy provides the best opportunity to move away from a poorly fitting regulation heavy system to one which takes account of regional variations in stocks, fisheries and economies. It also provides a greater opportunity to align regional environmental and fisheries management objectives.

Long term plans

Discards are a major threat to the health of fish stocks and the marine ecosystem. Asubstantial reduction in the discarding of target and non-target species is a major goal. Radical reform of the CFP is important for this objective to be fully realised and the Scottish Government will be at the forefront of dialogue for the right changes to made. It should be possible to move towards regionalised fishing models which allow for ‘catch quotas’ where everything caught is landed and the main control is total removals from the sea rather than by landings. Such an approach will incentivise the industry to develop and adopt more selective gears and avoid areas of known fisheries abundance.

Within the confines of the CFP the Scottish Government is already attempting to implement some of these measures, for example through Scotland’s innovative system of fully-documented fisheries. This ‘Catch-quota’ management system34

requires participating vessels to land all of the North Sea cod that they catch, regardless of size or marketability. Vessels are monitored using on-board cameras and must stop fishing once their annual cod quota has been reached, thus controlling total removals of cod from the sea rather than landings only. Early analysis of the scheme has been very positive and has highlighted its potential. In the future we hope to expand the opportunity to more vessels and apply it to more species.

34

2011 Catch Quota Management Scheme

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Sea-Fisheries/17681/catchquota

45

SECTION 1.2 WILD SALMON AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES

Key Challenges

To sustainably manage migratory and freshwater fish and fisheries resources and provide significant economic and social benefits for the people of Scotland.

To ensure the impact of developments on salmon and freshwater fisheries are given due consideration before implementation.

To identify priority areas for migratory and freshwater fish and fisheries, and investigate salmon marine mortality and migratory routes.

Scotland

Objectives

� Maximise freshwater fisheries contribution to the Scottish economy - offering and promoting high quality fishing opportunities.

� Increase access to angling by opening up new recreational fisheries and increase awareness of existing opportunities.

� To better manage wild salmon and other freshwater fisheries, improving habitats and zoning ability for coastal fisheries and aquaculture.

� To understand interactions with other activities in the marine and coastal zone and resolve key issues through negotiation.

� Promote and encourage stock recovery where necessary and impact reduction by way of ‘catch and release’ in the rod and line fishery.

� To manage our fisheries in a sustainable manner.

Background

Atlantic salmon is widely regarded as Scotland's most iconic freshwater fish species. Fishing for salmon and its close relative sea trout takes place in almost every Scottish river. Scottish freshwater fisheries is an important sector of the economy, delivering angling and other opportunities to enjoy Scotland’s rich and varied natural resources that are of the highest quality and sustainable. Scotland has a total of 54 salmon fishery districts. Of these districts, 42 have District Salmon Fishery Boards in place to protect and improve salmon and sea trout fisheries. The overarching aim of the Scottish Government with respect to salmon and freshwater fisheries is to create the environment in which sustainable fisheries for these resources can be enjoyed.

Current Situation

Scotland’s Atlantic salmon stocks are an important natural resource for its people as a quality food product for a premium market and as a valuable recreational activity.

Scotland's river systems support one of the largest and most diverse Atlantic salmon resources in Europe. There are also many fisheries for brown trout and its migratory

46

form, sea-trout. Coarse fisheries for non-salmonid fish are also wide spread as well as enclosed put and take fisheries which are available to fish all year round.

Scotland's native fish stocks are of unique value and international importance none more so than the Atlantic salmon. In most other countries the fisheries are limited to the summer and early autumn months when returning fish pass along the coasts and run the rivers. However, salmon enter Scotland's rivers throughout the year and with the exception of December when fisheries are closed to protect spawning fish, it is possible to fish for salmon in every month in one or other of Scotland's rivers.

From an economic viewpoint, the diversity of Scotland's salmon runs is of great value in spreading the recreational fisheries over so much of the year. Salmon fishing opportunities exist in Scotland at times of year which do not occur elsewhere in the world. This creates employment and revenue generating activity in the shoulder seasons when traditional rural businesses tend to be less active. All salmon fishing and sea trout rights in Scotland, including in the sea, are private, heritable titles, which may be held separately from any land.

The ban on the sale of rod caught salmon means that the net fisheries are the only source of wild salmon and sea trout for the market.

A map of Scottish salmon rivers and netting sites is available on page 151 of Scotland’s Marine Atlas35.

Environmental Impact of Sector

The condition of many estuaries has improved in recent years because of higher levels of urban waste water treatment and reductions in the input of hazardous substances. A gradual increase in fish diversity and overall numbers in estuaries has been linked to better conditions. As a result, the number of adult salmon and sea trout returning to rivers has increased on many rivers.

The removal of salmon is a major environmental impact along with the removal of marine fauna and flora. However both netting removals and rod caught and retained removals have declined markedly in recent years. Since 1994, the proportion of the total rod and line catch accounted for by catch and release for both salmon and sea trout have shown a general increase. In 2009, of the 71,826 total reported wild salmon and grilse caught by rod and line, anglers released 67% back to the water (82% of spring salmon)36.

35

Marine Scotland’s Atlas 2011, p151 www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas36

Marine Scotland’s Atlas 2011, p150 www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas

47

There are other pressures which may have an impact on fresh water fisheries;

� Low carbon energy developments. Offshore renewables, the simulation testing of carbon dioxide transport and storage and associated infrastructure such as sub-sea grids and cabling could potentially present a challenge to wild salmon fisheries in the future. This should be a material consideration in such developments.

� Aquaculture. There is concern regarding the effects of aquaculture on populations of wild fish including sea lice, disease, the influence of escaped farmed fish interbreeding with local wild stocks and the potential demographic consequences. Further research is required in each of these areas to inform strategies for managing interactions.

� Commercial sea fisheries continue to represent a potential influence on target and non-target fish populations, both directly through fishery removals, and indirectly by removing predators, prey, competitors or essential habitats.

� Predation on fish, particularly by some species of birds and both grey and common seals, is a major concern for many anglers and netsmen in Scotland.

� Environment; salmon, both in the wild state and in fish farms, are vulnerable to bacterial and viral diseases, and also to infestation by parasites, particularly sea lice. Many of the issues under water quality, physical habitats and other users are being addressed through the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, through regulation and incentive.

Economic Impact

The overall value of fisheries is difficult to calculate. Net and coble and fixed engine fisheries for salmon can sell their catch. While rod fishermen cannot sell their catch of salmon and sea trout they contribute to the general tourist economy (spending on accommodation and associated expenditure) and pay proprietors for the fishing experience. The salmon netting industry is much smaller now than in the past. However, it still provides employment and generates income in rural areas, whilst providing high quality salmon for a discerning market (approx 10 -15000 fish a year)37.

37

Marine Scotland’s Atlas 2011, p150 www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas

48

Figure 12.4 Reported annual catches, number of salmon (2005 to 2009) 38

YearFixed engine

catch

Net and coble

catch

Rod and line (caught and

retained)

Rod and line (caught

and released)

2005 21,016 8,107 37,929 46,069

2006 18,821 6,188 38,476 47,556

2007 13,618 6,279 35,583 Highest - 55,515

2008 11,703 3,957 32,852 53,139

2009 8,206 4,648 23,690 48,136

Game and coarse angling in Scotland results in the Scottish economy producing over £100m worth of annual output which supports around 2,800 jobs and generates nearly £50m in wages and self-employment income to Scottish households39. This is a significant contribution. Employment tends to be seasonal and numbers fluctuate with July with most employment in the net fisheries. Anglers contribute to the general tourist economy and pay for the fishing experience. Many hotels, guest houses and other businesses throughout Scotland rely heavily on visiting anglers for much of their income. Anglers provide a source of tourist income in the early and late months of the year which may otherwise be unavailable. Fishing tackle shops, ghillies, water bailiffs and numerous other people depend directly or indirectly on angling.

Spatial constraints

Better spatial and temporal knowledge of post-escape farmed fish migration patterns would be required to fully understand the environmental and ecological concerns. Conflicting use with other freshwater activities such as rafting, canoeing and differing forms of angling already exist in many areas as do water uses for renewable energy, aquaculture, drinking and industrial uses.

Future

The Government’s overarching aim for wild salmon and freshwater fisheries is to ensure sustainable fisheries in which these economically and socially valuable resources can be enjoyed. The sector’s future very much depends on the status of stocks together with the general economic situation.

Short term plans

Fisheries and Stock Management: Salmon and freshwater fisheries represent an important social resource for Scotland’s people that should be developed and promoted further, while ensuring sustainability of fish stocks. Management of our wild salmon stocks for diversity and abundance should be supported.

Local managers maintain close monitoring of the remaining coastal net fisheries for Atlantic salmon and sea trout. This is one element of ongoing monitoring of all

38

Marine Scotland’s Atlas 2011, p150 www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas39

Research Report: The Economic Impact of Game and Coarse Angling in Scotland, Marine Scotland 2004, P/64

www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/03/19079/34369

49

fisheries by all three legal methods; and encourage voluntary agreements to reduce exploitation in the net fisheries in return for fair compensation for fishing opportunities foregone by the owners or operators of net fisheries.

The fundamental premise underpinning our shared vision is that future management regimes will be directed at maintaining and enhancing sustainable wild salmon and freshwater fish and fisheries resources. To support achievement of that vision it is important to know more about stock structure, distribution, abundance and population dynamics. To contribute to sustainable salmon and trout stocks it is necessary to research their migratory routes and factors that may influence them in freshwater and marine environments.

Medium term plans

Salmon and freshwater fish and fisheries - To maintain healthy stocks supporting sustainable fisheries through sound science-based management.

Angling - There is opportunity to develop sustainable angling tourism in Scotland40.Economic development in the sector sustains employment, especially permanent and skilled employment particularly in rural areas. Fishing as a recreational activity can contribute to the Scottish Government’s ambitions to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation.

Climate Change - To understand the influence of climate change on migratory and freshwater fish and fisheries to support informed local management.

Long term plans

To maximise the potential of sustainably managed salmon and freshwater fish and fishery resources to provide the optimum social and economic benefit for the people of Scotland.

40

A Strategic Framework for Scottish Freshwater Fisheries, Scottish Government 2008

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/229830/0062252.pdf

50

SECTION 1.3 AQUACULTURE

Key challenges

By 2020:

To increase the sustainable production of marine finfish at a rate of 4% per annum to achieve a 50% increase in current production.

To increase the sustainable freshwater production of juvenile salmon and trout by 50%.

To increase the sustainable production of shellfish, mussels especially, by at least 100%.

Objective

� To support the production of a high quality food product that meets market demands.

• To provide secure employment and economic activity in coastal and processing areas:

� Support the development of multi-trophic aquaculture, where the by-products from one species are recycled to become inputs for another. For example finfish aquaculture can be combined with seaweed or shellfish aquaculture to create balanced systems, with benefits to both species.

� Sustain the presumption against salmonid aquaculture on Scotland’s North and East coasts while providing clear opportunities for growth.

� The establishment with the salmon sector of a strategic approach to sea-lice research in Scotland in order to make significant progress on this challenge in conjunction with international partners.

� To protect Scotland’s unusually strong oyster health status and encourage the sector to ensure security of supply while developing export opportunities.

� Work with the trout sector to identify prospects and opportunities for its growth and help the sector where possible to capitalise on those.

� To encourage the growth of other marine finfish sectors, such as halibut and wrasse production; and of seaweed production for food and non-food uses.

� To address with the industry the question of unused fish-farm contents.

51

Background

Aquaculture is the culture of aquatic animals and plants in fresh, brackish or marine water environments. Aquaculture in Scotland can be broadly split into two main categories:

� Growing finfish in cages, pens, raceways or tanks � Growing shellfish on the seabed, on trestles, or suspended on ropes or nets

Seaweed cultivation for food and non-food uses, including as a source of biofuels, is also currently attracting interest from various quarters and the Scottish Government will continue to work to develop opportunities in this field.

Current Situation

Aquaculture is a growing and increasingly important industry, helping to underpin sustainable economic growth in rural and coastal communities in the Highlands and Islands. It produces Scotland’s most valuable food export and involves the farming or culturing of fish, molluscs, crustaceans or algae. The industry in Scotland is dominated by farming of Atlantic salmon but also has significant rainbow trout and mussel production. It is also important because of its capacity to produce food rich in omega-3 oils that help to promote health. Although much of the production is exported, aquaculture also makes an important contribution to food security.

In 2009 there were 1043 finfish and shellfish farms in Scotland. These comprised of: 535 approved marine finfish farms of which 254 were active, mainly producing atlantic salmon; 64 freshwater sites producing salmon smolts for commercial ongrowing; 39 sites producing stocking trout and/or table trout; and 42 sites producing salmon, brown trout or sea trout solely for restocking rivers, lochs and enclosed fisheries. Additionally, there were 363 marine shellfish sites, 319 of which were active and 150 of which were in production.

Salmon

Scotland is the third largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon in the world behind Norway and Chile, and the largest in the EU. It produced 144,000 tonnes in 2009. The salmon sector in particular is now expanding again after several years of contraction, partly in response to the production gap left by the recent collapse in Chilean salmon production, and partly in response to the opening up of new and strong growth in existing markets.

52

Figure 12.5 Atlantic salmon production and turnover (2005-2009)41

Other finfish

Figure 12.6 Other fin-fish species production and turnover (2005-2009)41

Rainbow trout (6766t), brown trout (157t), halibut (69t) and some Arctic charr are also produced.

41

Figures for all three graphs: Scotland’s Marine Atlas 2011, Chapter 5, p144

www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas

53

Shellfish

Figure 12.7 Mussels and other shellfish – production and turnover(2005-2009)41

Shellfish production was dominated by blue mussels in 2009 (6,302t). This was an increase of about 33% since 2006. Pacific oysters (2,900,000 shells) and Native oysters (490,000 shells), King scallops (35,000 shells) and Queen scallops (168,000 shells), have also been cultured.42

Seaweed

Seaweed harvesting in Scotland is currently small scale and concentrated mainly on the West Coast, brown, red and green seaweeds are all harvested. Seaweed is traditionally gathered for animal feed, but also for fertiliser and food. There are no sea weed farms in production, however a pilot farm is planned. Seaweed production requires high nutrient levels, carbon dioxide and good water clarity. To date world seaweed production has been focussed in the far east where huge quantities are cultivated, mainly for human consumption.

42

Scotland’s Marine Atlas 2011, Chapter 5, p144


54

Figure 12.8 Locations of shellfish and finfish production sites43

Shellfish production sites

Finfish production sites

43

Scotland’s Marine Atlas 2011, Chapter 5, p145


55

Exports

Farmed salmon exports continue to expand. New figures to October 2010 show that exports of Scottish farmed salmon have increased by almost 10 per cent when compared with the same period the previous year. Exports have risen from 55,231 tonnes (Jan-Oct 2009) to 60,599 tonnes (Jan-Oct 2010) as the demand for high quality Scottish farmed salmon continues to increase. Fresh Scottish farmed salmon now reaches 55 countries worldwide. The 2010 agreement to open the Chinese market to Scottish salmon offers an additional significant opportunity for Scottish salmon as a premium export product.

To keep pace with the growth in demand for salmon in particular the industry is investing in facilities to increase smolt production capacity in Scotland. The industry has seen and continues to see a trend toward vertical integration, with smolt production, marine on-growing and processing often carried out within a single company.

Environmental Impact

Finfish aquaculture: Fish farms can have a significant but localised environmental impact. Potential environmental impacts of finfish aquaculture are:

� the discharge of waste nutrients and their interactions in the marine environment

� the effects of other discharges such as therapeutants � disease and parasite impacts on wild and farmed stocks � escapes from fish farms and the potential effects on the genetics of wild

populations� the visual impact created by the presence of fish farms � predator control

These potential impacts are tightly regulated by domestic and European legislation to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

As a pioneer in the development of the freshwater and marine aquaculture, Scotland has developed distinctive and highly regulated management and cultivation techniques for both salmon and trout. These reflect the high-quality environments in which farms are located and every aspect of farming, from initial planning approval, to environmental and health monitoring, to the husbandry techniques adopted.

The need for high standards of environmental protection is recognised at every stage of fish farm planning, operation and regulation. Locations are further guided by Marine Scotland’s Locational Guidelines for the Authorisation of Marine Fish Farms in Scottish Waters44

. These guidelines are designated on the basis of predictive modelling to estimate nutrient enhancement and benthic impact in sea lochs or similar bodies suitable for supporting aquaculture and to guide the location of farms.

44

Locational Guidelines for the Authorisation for Marine Fish Farms in Scottish Waters, Marine Scotland 2010

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/295194/0104246.pdf

56

All finfish farm developments require planning development approval from the relevant Local Authority; all farms over 0.1 hectare (which means all commercial farms) require the preparation and acceptance of an environmental impact analysis as part of the planning development process. All farms require authorisation by Marine Scotland Science and a Controlled Activity Licence (CAR) licence from Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) under The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005. This licence, which is based on the case specific computer simulation modelling of nutrients, veterinary medicines and other chemicals that may be used on the farm, stipulates the biomass of fish that may be cultivated and provides individual approvals for the types and levels of veterinary medicines or other chemicals that may be used. Fish farms are subject to statutory compliance inspection by MSS and by SEPA.

Shellfish are filter feeders and require no feeding or medicinal treatments; the environmental impacts of shellfish production are thus minimal as long as overstocking effects on phytoplankton are avoided and harvesting is undertaken without damage to the seabed. Shellfish can be regarded as having a positive impact on the environment as they clean the water through their filter feeding and take carbon out of the environment by fixing it in their shells. However, this positive characteristic also has the consequence that shellfish are particularly vulnerable to bacterial or chemical contamination deriving from human shore-based activities or vessel discharges.

Economic impact

Growth in value of the aquaculture sector has averaged 4.6% per annum over the period 2000-2009. In 2009 it was composed of £412M Atlantic salmon, £6M rainbow and brown trout and £0.5M halibut, with £7M mussels, £1.4M other shellfish. The provision of jobs in remote and rural areas is a key benefit. The sector as a whole provided an estimated 7,175 jobs. Salmon cultivation provided 963 on-farm jobs, with a further 850 directly related on-shore jobs and an estimated 4,500 jobs in downstream processing. Cultivation of trout and other finfish provided 183 full and part-time jobs with a further 320 jobs in processing; shellfish cultivation provided 345 full and part-time jobs.45

Spatial constraints

Finfish and shellfish cultivation are highly dependent on farms being sited at locations where the water quality is excellent and the current flow allows the growth of healthy fish and shellfish. Therefore, whether farms are freshwater-based or marine-based, they have planning implications for the areas in which they are located, requiring rigorous long-term maintenance of good environmental standards and absence of pollution from any other development. As with any type of development, aquaculture facilities and their associated shore based infrastructure may have a potential visual impact on coastal or loch locations, and this should be taken into consideration as part of the design and planning development process.

45

Marine Scotland. The Scottish Shellfish Farms Annual Production Survey 2009.

www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Fish-Shellfish/FHI/surveys

57

The stated desire of one salmon farming company operating in Scotland to move to off-shore or exposed salmon farms may remove the main spatial constraint on the industry and could herald the next stage of aquaculture development. Potential sites could be over twice as large as existing sites and each would therefore represent a significant increase in the value of the Scottish industry.

The spatial requirements for seaweed farms are likely to be extensive given the requirement to achieve efficiencies of scale. The planned pilot farm on the West coast of Scotland will provide information for an economic model designed to assess these requirements.

Future

Short term plans

The immediate prospects for Scottish aquaculture are good. The salmon industry is thriving due to the worldwide effect on demand of the collapse in Chilean production and the opening up of new markets. A recent Institute of Aquaculture (University of Stirling) report suggests that the prospects for mussel farming are good, in some part due to a decline in Dutch mussel production. Scotland is well positioned to contribute to continued growth in the EU, in line with the EU Aquaculture Strategy.

The British Marine Finfish Association46 reports that the halibut sector has the potential to increase from 300-3000t at £6/kg in the next 5-8 years to meet market demand.

A number of companies are considering plans for wrasse hatcheries in Scotland in the near future to provide feeder fish for the salmon sector with the aim of controlling sea-lice through bioremediation. This has the potential to become a significant ancillary sector.

Medium term plans

The global demand for seafood, driven by such factors as the need for protein for an expanding population and the need to replace land-based sources suffering from climate change, is likely to affect positively Scottish production.

Given the interest in macro-algae as a basis for biofuel production and other non-food uses over the last five years, and the established Scottish history of macro-algal harvesting, research is underway to assess international progress in this field to inform possible development of this sector.

46

British Marine Finfish Association Ltd http://www.bmfa.uk.com/index.htm

58

Long term plans

The shellfish industry could double in size by 2020. The shellfish industry is underdeveloped, with a large number of small farms and many part-time farmers. There is significant scope for growth in Scotland’s shellfish industry particularly mussels and oysters without significantly impacting total market supply i.e. without reducing the market price. The industry could easily double mussel production to 16000 tonnes by 2020.

The confluence of developments in traditional aquaculture production, seaweed cultivation and offshore renewables is may offer synergies to these sectors and the Scottish Government will continue to work with industry to ascertain possibilities in this regard.

Figure 12.9 Area availability for algal cultivation

59

SECTION 2 ENERGY

Introduction

Scotland has some of the most significant energy resources in Europe. It has significant hydrocarbon resources and as much as a quarter of Europe’s offshore wind and tidal energy resource and an estimated 10% of its capacity for wave power. A major UK Offshore Valuation Study published in partnership with industry and Government in May 2010 estimated Scotland’s practical offshore renewables resource at 206GW (almost 40% of the overall UK total).

Scotland already has 7GW of terrestrial renewable energy capacity installed, under construction or consented. Scottish Government is on track to reach it’s target of 31% of electricity consumed in Scotland provided by renewable energy by 2011, and we are confident of delivering 80% by 2020. In the North Sea, Scotland has the largest potential offshore CO2 storage hub in the European Union. The Scottish Government Draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement47, published in November last year, sets the evidence base for low carbon electricity in Scotland to meet the 80% renewables target, backed up by a minimum of 2.5GW from new or upgraded thermal plant, progressively fitted with carbon capture and storage by 2030 – and integrating energy efficiency and reducing overall energy demand.

The Scottish Government is working closely with our UK and EU counterparts, with Ofgem, National Grid and Scottish Transmission System Operators to ensure energy from Scotland plays its part in meeting renewable energy, carbon reduction and climate change targets set by Governments. This will help ensure secure and sustainable energy supplies, at Scottish UK and EU levels.

Continued exploitation of energy sectors will remain essential for the future growth of the Scottish economy and for our way of life. These sectors are at different stages of their life cycles: hydrocarbons are past the peak of production and are in managed decline while offshore renewables and carbon dioxide transport and storage are emerging sectors of growth. Nonetheless, even as it enters a stage of managed decline the hydrocarbon sector provides nearly 200,000 jobs in Scotland. The low carbon sector in Scotland supported over 70,000 jobs in Scotland in 2008. With concerted action, this could increase to around 130,000 by 2020.

The nature of the European energy balance, the reliance at UK and European level on imports of energy and the requirement to decarbonise energy provides opportunities for Scotland. The EU North Sea Grid Co-ordinator, Georg Adamowitsch in his 3rd annual report highlights the challenges for a EU wide integrated offshore gird network connection, and highlights renewable energy from Scotland as a resource of EU significance:

47

Draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement 2010: Scotland – A Low Carbon Society, Scottish Government,


60

“The North Sea has different conditions and potentials for the generation of renewable energy. Scotland is a fine example of how different offshore technologies (wind parks, wave and tidal technology, onshore potentials, various wind potentials) can be combined to form a coherent approach. To be able to use all these elements as part of a European sustainable energy policy, these Scottish renewables have to be connected to an integrated European grid.”

The Scottish Government vision is for Scotland to play its part in developing onshore and offshore grid connections to the rest of the UK and to European partners – to put in place the key building blocks to export energy from Scotland to national electricity grids in the UK and Europe.

The development of a Europe wide supergrid to help meet Scottish, UK and EU is essential to meet renewable energy targets and address the challenges of climate change, and ensure security of future energy supply through greater interconnection.

Scotland’s remarkable wind and wave energy potential is a major opportunity for Scotland to play a part. The challenge in developing the grid connections to make this happen, and the costs of doing so, are significant.

To meet this opportunity the Scottish Government’s aim is to extract and bring to Scotland maximum value from the exploitation of its marine energy resources. The pursuit of maximum value from this must be balanced with the lowest possible impact cost to the Scottish marine environment.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that Scotland capitalises on the enormous potential presented by renewable energy and the low carbon sector. Scotland's wave, wind and tidal energies, and its carbon capture and storage potential, is of European significance. Exploiting these technologies in an environmentally sustainable way will enable Scotland to lead the world in the transition to a low carbon economy over the next four decades. This will help meet our wider objectives on climate change, generating substantial new economic activity, jobs and prosperity for Scotland.

The Scottish Government believes that all of Scotland's people should benefit from offshore renewable energy projects. Scotland and its local communities should receive a direct and lasting legacy from the exploitation of our natural resources. Proposals to maximise community benefit from renewables were published in a consultation paper "Securing the Benefits of Scotland's Next Energy Revolution"48 on 29 November 2010. These include actions designed to empower communities and ensure that the public sector leads by example in delivering real and lasting benefits. In addition, the consultation discusses the important role of the Crown Estate Commissioners in the development of offshore low carbon projects and more broadly as an administrator of public assets; it proposes a review of the current arrangements to bring control of the seabed and other public assets managed by the Crown Estate Commissioners within the remit of the Scottish Parliament.

48

Securing the Benefits of Scotland’s Next Energy Revolution - consultation, Scottish Government 2010


61

As well as contributing to energy security the development of marine renewables is central to the Scottish Government’s plan to combat climate change. The World Energy Outlook49 in 2008 estimated that 80% of global energy needs in 2030 will continue to be met by fossil fuels. The impact of climate change and the need to take action to reduce carbon emissions is clear. The Scottish Government is committed to the world-leading greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set out in the new Climate Change (Scotland) Act 200950 which sets a statutory target for greenhouse gas emission reduction of 80% by 2050. The accompanying Climate Change Delivery Plan51 sets out four transformational outcomes that will be necessary to meet this, including decarbonisation of electricity generation by 2030.

49

World Energy Outlook 2008 http://www.worldenergyoutlook.org/2008.asp50

Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2009/pdf/asp_20090012_en.pdf51

Climate Change Delivery Plan: Meeting Scotland’s Statutory Climate Change Targets, Scottish Government 2009


62

2.1 OIL AND GAS

Key Challenge

Objectives

Background

Oil and gas exploration and production are reserved activities, licensed by the UK Government. Nonetheless, the industry, including its supporting services and supply chain, plays a critical role in the Scottish economy and supporting Scottish employment.

Around 90-95% of oil and gas production is in Scotland’s seas. The skills and knowledge of marine energy exploitation developed since inception of the North Sea are a key strength for Scotland. In recent years there has been a shift of activity to the area west of the Shetland Islands both in terms of exploration and new production.

Current situation

Existing fields delivered about 2.35 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) a day in 2009, a decline of around 10% on 2008 levels. Production in 2010 is estimated to be

To deliver maximum value at minimum environmental cost to Scotland. As resource exhaustion approaches, reuse or remove the maximum infrastructure as possible from the sea bed and water column.

Where possible the industry should explore joint working with other sectors to maximise value, transfer skills and knowledge and reduce environmental impact

� To ensure maximum extraction of value from the North Sea basin supporting jobs, activity and added value in Scotland.

� Maximum extraction will rely on continued exploration and associated seismic activity such activity should continue to be carried out to the Best Practicable Environmental Option standards.

� To ensure the industry delivers a very high level of risk management across all it operations and that it is especially vigilant in more testing environments.

� To ensure decommissioning is an agreed process involving all relevant Scottish stakeholders.

� To seek reuse or removal of decommissioned assets from the sea bed where practicable.

63

at the same level. It is likely that well drilling in 2010 will be below the levels achieved in 2009. The long term decline in development drilling has a direct impact on the productive capacity of the UK continental shelf. PILOT52 (a joint programme involving the UK and Scottish Government and the wider UK oil and gas industry) are currently working on a 10 year plan to determine where we want to be in 2020, what maximum level of recovery is likely to be and what decisions we have to take to ensure this level is achieved.

Environmental impact

Oil and gas production activity has a range of environmental pressures such as noise from seismic activity, contamination from chemicals and the physical presence of associated infrastructure. Environmental impacts associated with oil and gas activity include contamination, the risk of oil spills and noise. In addition oil and gas activities can have an impact on marine life such as the modification of species composition and habitat resulting from the discharge of drill cuttings and the presence of the structure itself.

Oil and gas exploration activity has the potential for environmental impact through the use of seismic assessment. A seismic survey can last for many weeks in an area. The main concern relates to the high intensity multiple pulsed sound produced by the airguns, which have the potential to cause injury and disturbance. Currently no direct evidence exists for a causal link between airgun sound source and physical injury to cetaceans and avoidance of the area by certain mammals. In addition, there is little direct evidence for biologically significant effects that would be likely to amount to disturbance under the EC Habitats Directive. This could be because investigating such effects has proven challenging. Scottish Government accepts that seismic survey is an essential activity and considers the mitigation measures set out in Joint Nature Conservation Committee’s Guidelines for Minimising the Risk of Injury and Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Surveys should be followed in all cases of seismic activity53.

Oil drilling operations carry a risk of oil spills and as the industry moves into more challenging environments, e.g. west of Shetland, this risk may increase. To ensure risk minimisation the industry will require exceptional risk management based on additional vigilance and thorough examination of the technical detail of the proposed operations in challenging environments.

Economic Impact

Total operating expenditure in 2010 is expected to be £6.5 bn supporting around 196,000 oil and gas related jobs in Scotland in 2010. Of these the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) is estimated to account for 110,000 jobs with a further 45,000 supported in the export of goods and services and 41,000 supported in the wider economy54.

52

PILOT http://www.pilottaskforce.co.uk/53

Guidelines for Minimising the Risk of Injury and Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Surveys, JNCC, 2010.

http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-153454

Economic Report. Oil & Gas UK. 2010

http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/knowledgecentre/economic_report.cfm

64

Spatial constraints

In recent years, oil and gas activity has moved into the area west of Shetland. Over the next ten years, this shift of activity from the central north sea to the west of Shetland is expected to increase, although all regions of the North Sea have a productive future55. This shift has brought the industry into new and difficult areas. At this time there appears to be little spatial conflict between oil and gas and other industries also using these waters e.g. fishing and potentially renewable energy.

Future

Short term plans

Oil & Gas UK estimate that production from UKCS could fall to 1.5m boe a day by 2020. The level of production is based on delivering a sustained investment of £5bn per year until 2020. The Laggan and Tormore fields are a significant area with unexploited gas reserves lying to the west of the Shetland Islands. Development in this area raises new challenges for the industry due to the hostile waters. The infrastructure associated with the fields will cost £2.5bn and could result in a further £12 bn of investment over the next eight years. This investment could enhance the viability of future discoveries in this area. While production in West of Shetland and the Northern North sea will grow, production in the central north sea will decline. Nonetheless the central north sea will continue to provide the majority of production. The Scottish Government has no control over the key fiscal lever that might influence this investment but will continue to lobby the UK government to take an appropriate fiscal stance to deliver the higher level of production. These figures also imply a reasonably high level of seismic activity with the associated level of potential environmental risks.

Medium term plans

Post 2020 there is likely to be a more significant decline in both investment and domestically supported employment. Sustaining existing levels of oil related employment will be a significant challenge and could be reliant on exporting expertise. The reduction in activity will have significant implications for both terrestrial and marine infrastructure. On land change will happen most obviously at Grangemouth refinery and associated harbour, oil related infrastructure on the Northern isles and potentially Aberdeen harbour. In the marine environment a substantial decommissioning effort will be required.

55

Activity Survey, Oil & Gas UK, 2010 Figure 9, Page 12

http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/publications/viewpub.cfm?frmPubID=365

65

Long term plans

The UKCS has produced 39bn boe over the past four decades. Estimates of the remaining recoverable resource vary from 15 bn to 24 bn boe (Oil & Gas UK) to a high estimate of 37 bn (Department for Energy and Climate Change). Research by Aberdeen University indicates that the North Sea will continue to produce oil and gas at least until 2040. The industry believes that the exploitation of hydrocarbons in Scottish water will be substantially complete by 2050.

Business plans in place may lead to the recovery of 11.1 bn boe over the next three decades. The Oil and Gas UK Activity Survey shows the range of probabilities for the recovery of these resources56. In effect “proven and probable” have a greater than 50% chance of being recovered while “possible” has a less than 50% chance of recovery.

Decommissioning

Over the next two decades, the process of decommissioning ageing oil and gas equipment will emerge as a new business activity. The timing of the process is inherently uncertain due to fluctuating oil price as reflecting global energy demand, field exhaustion, advances in oil recovery and availability of skills.

The decommissioning effort will cover 470 installations, 10,000km of pipeline and 5000 wells at a total cost of £26bn. Oil and Gas UK Economic Report 2010 suggests that £7.5bn will be spent between 2010 and 2020; £13.5bn between 2020 and 2030; and a final £5bn in the following decade57. The intention of Oil and Gas UK and Decom North Sea is to take a proactive approach to encourage collaboration between asset owners and effective communications to enable the industry to realise the full potential of the market.

The decommissioning effort will be further complicated by the emergence of the carbon capture and storage industry and its possible requirements to use some elements of the existing infrastructure. Nonetheless the decommissioning effort will provide significant employment opportunities in Scotland.

56

Oil and Gas UK Activity Survey, Oil and Gas UK, 2010, Figure 4

http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/publications/viewpub.cfm?frmPubID=36557

Economic Report. Oil & Gas UK. 2010

http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/knowledgecentre/economic_report.cfm

66

2.2 CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE

Key Challenge

To develop this sector to deliver both economic activity in Scotland and to assist the delivery of Scotland’s climate change objectives.

Objectives

Background

Carbon Capture and Storage is an approach to managing CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power plants and heavy industry, transporting them in liquid form by pipeline or ship and subsequently injecting them into geological formations deep underground where it is permanently stored below the earths surface. Research suggests that CCS has the potential to reduce CO2 emission from conventional fossil fuel power stations by up to 90%. Development of CCS is therefore essential to the exploitation of Scotland’s existing energy resources and the skill, technology and experience are potentially a valuable export commodity.

Current situation

Too much CO2 is leading to global warming and this in turn is causing climate change. The current emphasis is on demonstrating that CCS is feasible on a commercial scale, and demonstration projects are key to that aim.

� Scotland to be at the forefront of the development and deployment of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies by developing and diversifying existing engineering and other skills from the oil and gas and power generation sectors.

� To deliver successful demonstration projects in carbon storage, securing funding for at least one, and ideally two, of the eight CCS demonstration plants sought by the European Commission.

� To make CCS available as a realistic low carbon deployment option for electricity generation and possibly other sectors in advance of 2020, supporting the decarbonisation of electricity generation by 2030, while contributing to both security of supply and utilisation of resources.

� To further develop the existing oil/gas pipeline infrastructure and CO2

storage capability in the North Sea to become the principal hub for surplus CO2 storage to serve electricity generators and heavy industry throughout Europe.

67

Up to 90% of CO2 from a fossil fuel power station can be captured using three CCS technologies. Once captured the CO2 is compressed into a liquid state and dehydrated for transport and storage:

� Pre-combustion: CO2 is captured before fuel is burned

� Oxy-fuel: CO2 is captured during fuel combustion

� Post-combustion58: CO2 is captured after fuel has been burned


The nature of the environmental impact will depend on the extent to which it is possible to use existing pipelines, installations and wells. Environmental impact is likely to come from any new construction required to deliver CCS, and from the risk of the failure of storage or transport systems. Risk of failure will be planned for and agreed as part of project planning. At present it is not possible to assess the need for new construction but this should be carried out to BEPO standard.

Future

Short term plans

CCS technology is still in development. Existing projects around the globe are relatively small in size and none are based around electricity generation. There are around 80 projects under development globally. Within Scotland there is a proposed CCS project based at Longannet which is the only remaining project in the UK Government’s CCS competition. The Scottish Government’s short term objective is to ensure this project achieves funding through the UK competition.

CCS is an integral part of the balanced portfolio required to meet global emissions reductions and climate change targets at the lowest possible cost. Currently, there are around 23,000 fossil fuel generating stations worldwide, and the international energy agency59 forecast suggest that 3000 CCS projects will be required globally by 2050. The challenge is to create the appropriate financial, regulatory and policy structures to enable the development of CCS projects in Scotland positioning Scotland as a world leader.

For CCS to make a significant contribution towards the decarbonisation of the electricity sector by 2030 its capacity to deliver the required outcomes needs to be proven by 2015 with ongoing development from then to a mature technology by 2030. The development of this opportunity will be difficult and a critical element is the development of functioning carbon markets that delivers carbon prices that makes CCS viable.

58

Post-combustion technology can be retrofitted to existing power and industrial plants. 59

International Energy Agency http://www.iea.org/roadmaps/ccs_power.asp

68

Medium term plans

To successfully deliver the proposed project based at Longannet for a post-combustion coal demonstration plant which plans to pipe CO2 to the Goldeneye oil field.

Long term plans

The Scottish Government’s overarching aim is for Scotland to become a leader in CCS technology. This can only be achieved by utilising the advantages and strengths that Scotland possesses. Specifically, the Scottish Government want to see a number of CCS demonstration projects being developed in Scotland alongside the development of ancillary and support services for CCS and an appreciable share of the global CCS business. There are two key aspects to developing CCS projects - storage and transport.

Storage: In the short-term, depleted oil and gas fields in the North Sea are the most likely and ready storage sites for carbon. The level of knowledge and information about these oil and gas fields is higher than for other geological features. There may also be some opportunity for the use of carbon dioxide for Enhanced Oil Recovery to redundant fields deemed suitable and viable.

Over the longer term, saline aquifers may provide a greater storage potential in the North Sea. Scotland has a vast potential for the geological storage of carbon under the North Sea. ‘Opportunities for CO2 Storage around Scotland’60 investigated more than 80 saline aquifers and ten were identified as having potential for CO2 storage. These have a capability to store more than 200 years of Scotland’s CO2 output from its major fixed industrial sources. The Scottish Government is making a contribution towards the cost of a successor study which will enable more detailed assessments of potential storage capacity.

Transport: There are a number of potential approaches to the transportation of CO2.In general, a hub approach is considered to be more efficient than a single emitter to a single store pipeline. Existing infrastructure may provide some benefit, however the use of the existing pipeline network raises a number of challenges in terms of size and standards which need to be addressed. Proposed CO2 transportation routes are discussed in the Scottish Government publication Opportunities for CO2 Storage around Scotland: an Integrated Strategic Research Study

The development of any CCS transport network in Scotland is likely to be dependent upon a number of factors such as location, proximity to the storage, regulatory framework and in particular, issues around the classification and treatment of CO2.

60

Opportunities for CO2 Storage around Scotland: an integrated strategic research study, Scottish Government 2009


69

2.3 RENEWABLES

Key challenges

To turn Scotland’s renewable energy resources into a fully developed industry contributing to the level of economic activity in Scotland and delivering climate change objectives.

To minimise the environmental impact from the construction and operation of marine renewable and marine wind devices and facilitate the development of sub sea electricity grids.

Develop and reinforce onshore and offshore grid in Scotland that can connect and transport renewable energy from the best sites of resource, in and around the coast of Scotland

Objectives

� Renewable sources from both terrestrial and marine sites will generate electricity equivalent to 80 per cent of Scotland’s gross annual electricity consumption by 2020.

� Provide 10 Gigawatts generation capacity by 2020 in place and under construction.

� To prioritise the rapid development of demonstration facilities for fixed and floating offshore wind and wave and tidal marine energy.

� Where spatial conflicts between marine renewable and other sectors occur resolution should initially be sought through discussion and agreement.

� Facilitate the development of an offshore grid system including links to Europe, capable of bringing Scotland’s wave, tidal and offshore wind energy potential to market. Specifically to:

• work in the workstreams of the North Seas’ Countries Grid Initiative to develop a blueprint for North Seas grid by the end of 2011;

• support the work of the North Sea Offshore Grid-Coordinator in understanding the North Seas challenges and opportunities;

• publish the outcomes of the Irish Scottish Links in Energy study on developing an offshore interconnected grid in the seas between Scotland and Ireland.

� Projects should be sited, constructed and operated to minimise noise and collision risk to Best Available Technology Not Entailing Excessive Costs (BATNEEC) standards.

� To ensure the availability of port facilities capable of supporting the offshore renewables industry.

� To ensure that decision making on renewables issues is timely.

70

Background

There will be significant change in our energy infrastructure over the coming years, primarily driven by the need to respond to the challenges that we face in tackling climate change and in the transition to a low carbon economy while ensuring security of energy supply. In the longer term we must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

The Scottish Government is committed to promoting the increased use of offshore renewable energy sources. This commitment recognises renewables' potential to support economic growth and to address climate change. Estimates suggest that Scotland has 206 Giggawatts (GW) of wind, wave and tidal resources. The Scottish Government has set a target of 80% of electricity consumption to be met by renewable generation by 2020, in which offshore renewables will play a key part, and the role of offshore generation will increase further into the 2020s and beyond. It is expected that the development of offshore wind and marine and tidal energy can create significant economic opportunities in Scotland, including the creating of some 30,000 jobs by 2020.

The main driver behind renewable electricity development in Scotland, now and over the coming years, is the Renewables Obligation (Scotland). This mechanism places an obligation on electricity suppliers to provide an increasing amount of their electricity supplied from eligible renewable sources. This is also the mechanism by which the renewables industry is currently subsidised. Changes to the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Order61 have increased the financial rewards for marine energy.

Marine renewables provide new opportunities to enhance our manufacturing capacity and to provide new employment, not least in remote and rural areas. The UK Government is proposing significant changes to this regime through the Electricity Market Reform consultation62, launched by the UK Government in December 2010. It is important that the new regime provides a stable and supportive policy and regulatory environment for renewable generation, with the right balance between effectively functioning markets and targeted support mechanisms. It is essential that energy regulation both protects the interests of consumers, and ensures affordable electricity.

Energy regulation must be open, fair and transparent delivering the right balance between independence and renewable energy and climate change targets, ensuring security of supply to meet the existing and future energy needs.

Current situation

Offshore Wind - Scotland’s first offshore wind development was deployed at Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth, 11 km from the nearest landfall at Balcary Point on the Dumfries and Galloway coast. This wind farm has a capacity of 180 MW and consists of 60 turbines – with the potential to generate enough electricity for 117,000

61

Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Order http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2007/267/contents/made62

Electricity Market Reform consultation, DECC 2011 http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/emr/emr.aspx

71

households. Further north and east, the Beatrice project in the Moray Firth is the world’s first offshore wind deepwater (45 metres) installation. It was also the first project to use five MW turbines offshore.

In February 2009 the Crown Estate Commissioners announced the awarding of ten ‘exclusivity agreements’ for offshore wind sites in Scottish territorial waters. This has since been revised to nine agreements, with a potential capacity to generate 5.7 GW of electricity. Some of these possible sites are controversial and all nine sites may not be exploited. In addition the Crown Estate Commissioners identified two Round 3 sites adjacent to Scottish territorial waters with the potential to generate 4.8 GW of electricity.

Offshore Wave and Tidal Energy, Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters - In March 2010, the Crown Estate Commissioners signed ten exclusivity agreements for six wave and four tidal projects with a potential capacity to generate 1.2 GW of marine energy in the Pentland Firth. The anticipated capital investment required within the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters is estimated to be between £2-3 bn between 2010 and 2020. It is estimated that this will build up to £300 million per annum of operation and maintenance service requirements by 2020.

Maps of wind, wave and tidal resource and the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters wave and tidal development areas are available in Scotland’s Marine Atlas63.

National Renewables Infrastructure Plan

The Scottish Government’s objective is the development of a globally competitive offshore renewables industry based in Scotland through creation of infrastructure capable of supporting large scale manufacturing, assembly, deployment and operations and maintenance of offshore renewable energy devices. The National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP)64 sets out this ambition. In November 2010 the £70m National Renewables Infrastructure Fund was launched to support these developments. Delivery of the N-RIP will enable the development of a strong supply chain consisting of diversified and new Scottish companies as well as targeted inward investors.

Grid

Developing offshore interconnected grid work requires a collaborative approach to strengthening national grids while developing interconnections between countries, regions and Members States into a strategic, co-ordinated and connected grid network, as well as developing off-shore grid in the North Seas in modular form to deliver an interconnected North Seas grid.

It also needs significant and sustained effort to work with other parts of the GB networks and EU countries and regions to standardise electricity transmission and energy regulation. The Scottish Government is working closely with UK and EU

63

Scotland’s Marine Atlas: Information for the National Marine Plan 2011, Chapter 5, p163-16

www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas64

National Renewables Infrastructure Plan, Scottish Enterprise 2010

http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/News/2010/07/National-Renewables-Infrastructure-Plan-published.aspx

72

partners on this. Scotland already has offshore sub-sea connections to Northern Ireland and some of the Scottish islands.

The period 2010-2018 will see significant activity to reinforce and develop these onshore and offshore connections to address some of the grid constraints within the GB system (between Scotland and England in particular) and at connecting both our onshore and offshore renewable generators.

Publication of the Electricity Networks Steering Group Vision 2020 report65 in March 2009 was a major step forward in designing the electricity transmission network that will help Scotland and the UK to meet the EU target of 15% of UK energy from renewable sources by 2020. It identifies a need for two sub sea cables linking Scotland to centres of energy demand in the Southern part of the UK. It will see two sub sea cables off the east and west coasts of Scotland connected to centres of demand in England:

� a West Coast 1.8GW High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link between Hunterson and Deeside – attracting investment of around £760M. Planning for this is already underway, with consultation on possible sea route and landing points issued in June 2010. The target for commissioning the link is 2012/13.

� an East Coast 1.8 GW HVDC link between Peterhead and Hanwthrone Pit in Humber side – attracting investment in the region of £700M. The target for commissioning this link is 2018.

The Report also includes; plans for sub-sea HVDC links to the Scottish mainland and the Shetland Islands, Orkney and the Western Isles and also in Argyll and Bute region.

A sub sea cable connecting Caithness to the Moray coast is planned. It will act as a hub for offshore wind projects in the Moray Firth. Further grid connections will be necessary to the other Round 3 offshore wind farms currently in development. In addition, interconnectors will be needed to allow renewable energy to be transmitted from the Western and Northern Isles to the mainland.

The Scottish Government has supported studies on the technical, economic, social and financial feasibility of the development of an offshore transmission network or grid to encourage electricity generation from renewable resources in both the North and Irish Seas. In January 2010 we welcomed work to further assess options for a sub-sea cable between Scotland and Norway for deployment in 2018. The Scottish European Green Energy Centre in Aberdeen will play a key role in supporting the route survey stage of this important and iconic project.

The Scottish Government is working in partnership with the Governments of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with EU Interreg funding, on a full feasibility study into development of an offshore transmission grid to exploit offshore energy off our west coasts. The Irish Scottish Links in Energy Study project66 will become a key building block in delivering sub-sea grid in the Irish Sea and will report by the end of 2011.

65

‘Our Electricity Transmission Network A Vision for 2020’ March 2009

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100919181607/http://www.ensg.gov.uk/index.php?article=12666

Scottish Links in Energy Study Project

73

This project will also identify the main challenges and opportunities in offshore interconnected grid i.e. those relating to interconnection, standardisation of regulatory and legal frameworks and renewable energy and infrastructure support mechanisms.

Ten countries around the Northern European Seas agreed a Memorandum of Understanding on delivering an interconnected North Seas. This joint declaration will increase cooperation between Members States in the development of offshore grid connections. It will produce a road map for developing a North Sea Grid by end of 2011.


The key environmental impacts from wind renewables are noise, from construction and operation, and the collision risks for sea birds. For wave and tidal devices, the key environmental impact is the potential for collision with cetaceans and fish, although there is little or no hard evidence from which to make an assessment.

Noise - For harbour porpoises and harbour seals, the zone of behavioural responses are possible over many kilometres, perhaps up to ranges of 20 km. Hearing loss might be a concern – on the basis of a regulatory approach - at 1.8 km in porpoises and 400 m in seals. Severe injuries in the immediate vicinity of ramming activities cannot be ruled out. Operational noise of smaller turbines of 1.5 megawatts should have only minor influence as the detection radii for both species are rather small. However, since operational noise of larger turbines can not yet be assessed reliably, these results are rather preliminary. It is likely that larger turbines are noisier resulting in a larger zones of noise influence.

Physical effects on fish, such as internal or external injuries, deafness or mortality are possible in the close vicinity to pile driving. Cod and herring will be able to perceive piling noise at large distances, perhaps up to 80 km from the sound source. Dab and salmon might detect pile-driving pulses at considerable distances from the source. However, since both species are predominantly sensitive for particle motion and not pressure, the detection radius cannot be defined. Behavioural effects are possible due to piling noise. The spatial extension of the zone of responsiveness can not be calculated, as the available threshold levels vary greatly.

Operational noise of wind turbines will be detectable up to a distance of approximately 4km for cod and herring, and probably up to 1 km for dab and salmon. Within this zone, masking of intraspecific communication is possible. Behavioural and/or physiological (stress) effects are possible due to operational wind farm noise. However, they should be restricted to very close ranges.

Collision risks - A key environmental risk for offshore wind, wave and tidal renewables is the probability of collision with birds and other marine life. For offshore wind there is a risk of collision between birds and turbine blades. Developers should

http://www.islesproject.eu/

74

take action to minimise this risk i.e. avoiding areas such as those between nesting and feeding areas where birds might transit many times a day.

For wave and tidal devices the collision risk extends to seals, dolphins and fish and at our current level of understanding the likely scale of the risk is difficult to assess. The deploy and monitor approach seeks to manage collision risk. Under this approach developers will initially be asked to undertake two years pre-deployment monitoring of a site. If in the first year no significant issues are found then deployment can commence subject to a successful licensing application. This is known as the -1 approach. Should significant issues be found in the first year of monitoring then another year would be required. If in the second year of monitoring there are still residual issues coming out of the monitoring then a continuation of monitoring would be required until the issue had been resolved to the satisfaction of Marine Scotland and SNH.

Developers would still be required to undertake assessments required as part of the licensing requirements in parallel i.e. Environmental Impacts Assessments. Following deployment monitoring of the device(s) would still be required. Deployments will be assessed by using three factors:

� Device Risk vs Environmental Risk � Development Size vs Environmental Risk � Device Risk vs Development Size.

Spatial issues

The Scottish territorial waters sites are proposed for an area of 1140 sq kms of sea, or 0.2% of the area of Scotland’s seas out to the fishery limits. It seems likely that the round three sites will use a similar area and proportion of the sea. Thus in the foreseeable future up to 2020 marine wind renewables will cover only 0.4% of Scotland’s seas. Beyond 2020 renewable development will occur in the areas identified by the medium term options assuming a third of this area is exploited suggests that a further 1.3% of Scotland’s sea area will be given over to offshore wind renewables.

Thus in total by around 2030 offshore wind renewables could comprise around 1.7% of Scotland’s sea area most of this development will be within 12 nm. While small in relative terms to Scotland’s total sea, in absolute term this is over 20,000 sq kms. While the small spatial scale reduces the risk of competition it does not preclude it. Where there are potential competing uses of an area the Scottish Government expects partners to take a co-operative approach to ensure problems are overcome and agreed solutions reached.

75

Future

Offshore Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy

Figure 12.10 sets out a possible picture of the progression of renewable projects into operation in Scotland. This is drawn from the licensing process. Projects currently in scoping are estimated to require a further 4 years to become operational, though construction times are subject to large variability due to weather and other factors.

Figure 12.10 Renewable capacity installed and in development in MegaWatts(MW) as at October 2010

Operating UnderConstruction

Consented In Planning In Scoping

Onshore* 3518.2 745.0 2967.2 3669.9 2926.2

Offshore wind 190.0 0.0 0.0 6.0 1785.0

Wave 0.8 0.0 7.0 0.0 600.0

Tidal 1.0 1.0 0.0 2.0 662.0

Total Marine 191.8 1.0 7.0 8.0 3047.0

Total 3710.0 746.0 2974.2 3677.9 5973.2

* Includes Hydro, Onshore wind, Energy from Waste, Biomass Electricity, Biomass Heat

By around 2015 Scotland will host 17.1 GigaWatts (GW) of renewable capacity. At that stage only a minority of the capacity (3.0W) is likely to be from marine sources.

Beyond 2015 we anticipate further expansion of renewable capacity, the Scottish Territorial sites may provide a further 2GW of capacity. The Round 3 offshore sites are estimated to deliver a further 4.8GW of capacity. Over and above this the medium term options identified in the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Plan for Offshore Wind Energy have a potential capacity of around 30GW. Some of this capacity will only be developed over the longer term, but if only a third is developed in the medium term this would add about 10GW of capacity without a dedicated grid connection. By 2025 Scotland could have a further 18GW of wind generated capacity.

Offshore wave and tidal - The development of wave and tidal renewable energy technology which delivers energy consistently is an essential strategic element of the development of the sector. Plans suggest that 1.6GW of capacity will be installed in the Pentland Firth. Careful sighting of this capacity will be essential as the Firth is a key shipping area and has a number of other uses.

76

Grid - By 2025 Scotland could have around 20GW of renewable capacity without an effective grid transmission mechanism. Developing offshore grid capacity to allow electricity generated from this capacity to market is a priority. The Scottish Government views the development of a North Sea interconnector as one element of a possible solution. A further element of the solution is a reinvigorated Energy Network Strategy Group67 with a specific remit to deliver a grid solution for offshore renewable generation.

67

Energy Network Strategy Group

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100919181607/http://www.ensg.gov.uk/index.php?article=2

77

SECTION 3 TOURISM AND RECREATION

Key Challenge

To ensure continued access to the marine and coastal resource for leisure and recreational use.

To identify and map key coastal access points.

To establish data availability on recreational activities taking place in the coastal zone and offshore areas.

Objectives

Background

Recreational opportunities in Scotland’s marine and coastal areas range from walking on a beach to participating in extreme sporting events organised as part of a global series. The mixture of formal and informal activities organised by individuals, clubs or commercial ventures takes advantage of some of the most attractive coastal scenery and most demanding marine conditions in Europe. Clean, healthy seas are fundamental to a successful marine tourism and recreation industry in Scotland.

Leisure and recreation interests are made up of a number of sub-sectors: watersports may require specialist equipment from marine industry manufacturers; significant coastal tourism sector takes advantage of historic castles, picturesque fishing villages and links golf courses. In recent years, a thriving wildlife tourism industry has established itself in areas around Scotland, allowing visitors to experience cetaceans, seabirds and dramatic coastal scenery.

� In conjunction with sector develop both offshore and onshore recreational marine industries in Scotland

� Promote a range of waterbased recreational activities that encourage an appreciation of the environment in which they take place, contribute to life-skills and support a healthier nation

� Ensure the potential impact on marine recreational activities of a new development in the coastal or offshore area is considered as part of the development decision

� Enhance existing opportunities, and develop new ones, for waterborne recreational activities around Scotland, including maintenance or development of infrastructure such as slipways, piers, moorings, marinas and anchorages, especially in peripheral coastal areas

� Improve available data on marine leisure and tourism industry interests and activities undertaken, especially for non-sailing, waterborne recreational pursuits

78

Scottish based marine industries cater for equipment requirements and service provision, such as marinas and specialist boat repair skills, making a significant contribution to the economy. Scotland is marketed around the world as a destination for marine leisure and recreation pursuits, with resulting visitors bringing substantial revenue with them. However, the value of an award-winning beach to a local economy should not be forgotten in terms of attracting visitors, tourists or encouraging the local population to enjoy what’s on their doorstep. Scotland’s coastal and marine environment, and the resources they provide, cater for a varied and valuable clientele.

Current situation

A high-class leisure product will attract target participants, generating revenue for local industries and the Scotland-wide tourism economy.

There is little standardised information on participation in marine leisure activities in Scotland, although individual sports and sectors gather data for their own purposes. The British Marine Federation’s (BMF) aggregated estimation of participation within Scotland during 2007-200968 suggests that the most five popular activities are:

� Spending general leisure time at the beach 309,250 � Coastal walking 230,500 � Outdoor swimming 224,500 � Boating activity 213,750 � Sea angling from shore or boat 139,000

(Rounded figures)

Multiple water-based activities are considered under the generic term of ‘marine leisure’. For example, the BMF’s category of ‘boating activity’ encompasses any sailboat activity; yacht cruising, yacht/dinghy racing, motor boating, personal watercraft, waterskiing, canoeing, windsurfing and rowing or sculling. It is estimated that around 3.4% of those resident within Scotland ‘went boating’69. Participation across a range of individual sports can be low level, responding to niche markets.

Scottish Natural Heritage reviewed marine and coastal recreation in 200770. The chart below which summarises the proportion of people taking part in a range of more specialist types of marine and coastal recreation.

68

Watersports & Leisure Participation Surveys 2007, 2008 & 2009, British Marine Federation and Royal Yachting Association -

http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/upload_pub/Watersports_and_leisure_Omnibus07.pdf

http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/upload_pub/FINALparticipationpublicreport2008.pdf

http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/upload_pub/WatersportsandLeisureOmnibus2009finalpublic.pdf69

Watersports & Leisure Participation Survey 2010, British Marine Federation and Royal Yachting Association (2011). Page

40. http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/upload_pub/WatersportsandLeisureOmnibusreport2010.pdf70

Land Use Consultants. (2007). A Review of Marine and Coastal Recreation.

Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No.247 (ROAME No. F05AA608) .Page 11.

http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/commissioned_reports/Report%20No247.pdf

79

Figure 12.11 SNH review of marine and coastal recreation

Marine recreational activity is widely distributed around Scotland. The Firth of Clyde and the West Coast are world renowned for their sailing conditions, offering opportunities for day sailing, racing and cruising in relatively sheltered waters within spectacular scenery. The provision of associated facilities, such as marinas, boatyards and moorings at convenient intervals adds to the attraction of this area.

Recreational sea angling retains a Scotland-wide profile but the numbers actively participating vary from region to region. Reflecting the major centres of population, the greatest numbers of sea anglers are based in the central belt but often have to travel some distance to participate in their sport. Dumfries and Galloway, the west coast in Argyll and the north east coast are all hot-spots of sea angling activity, attracting participants from well outwith these areas.

The Orkney Islands attracts divers from all over the world to explore the remains of the scuttled German High Seas Fleet. Recently, investment has aimed to increase numbers of divers to the natural wonders off the south east coast around St. Abbs Head and Eyemouth. Diving also occurs in various sea lochs off the west coast and in the Sound of Mull, and there is growing interest in Argyll, the Moray Firth and north-west Scotland.

Surfing is commonly pursued along the south east coast, from Edinburgh down to Coldingham Bay, where consistent surf breaks are generated by north-westerly and southern swells. More extreme conditions are generated on the western seaboard and north coast and attract surfers, especially in areas that support the two international surfing events; the O’Neill Highland Open in Thurso and the Tiree Wave Classic. Thurso has the world record for the coldest waters in which a surfing event is held while Tiree, as the most westerly of the Inner Hebrides, gets the full force of weather from the Atlantic. Tiree also supports events in the Professional Windsurfing Association’s annual calendar.

Canoeing and kayaking are popular in coastal areas. Since access is the primary requisite, shoreside facilities are less important for this sport than for some others.

80

Marine wildlife is emerging as a significant sector within the wider tourism industry. Cetacean watching in the Moray Firth has grown significantly over the last 20 years and dolphin-watching boat trips have been provided to cater for the market. Elsewhere along the Scottish coastline, bird watching continues as a major element of local tourism and the Scottish Sea Bird Centre at North Berwick has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, attracting thousands of visitors to watch the 150,000 seabirds that come to nest on the islands off the North Berwick coastline.

Each of these activities will have an interest in marine planning and its relationship across the land/sea interface with the existing terrestrial planning regime, which controls some aspects in the offshore area. Developments beyond the mean low water mark, such as marina pontoons, are considered by local authority planners and planning permission decisions take into account infrastructure on the landward side of the coastline. The ability of the hinterland to support a proposed development often currently has more of a bearing on the ultimate decision than the ability of the marine environment to accommodate the uses required of it.


Waste from boats/litter/taking home the catch

� Most litter in the marine area originates from land-based sources. The BMF/RYA’sGreen Blue71 initiative successfully promotes the message to recreational boaters that the disposal of waste ‘over the side’ is out.

� KIMO’s72 campaign, ‘Fishing for Litter’, encourages fishermen to land marine litter caught in their nets rather than dumping it back at sea.

� Marine Scotland is developing a Marine Litter Strategy as part of its overall approach to marine planning and management.

� In many areas, ‘taking home the catch’ from recreational sea angling is actively discouraged. The Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network (SSACN) issues good practice on how to replace caught fish back in the water to ensure the greatest chance of their survival.

Alien species

� Recreational boats can act as a vector for introducing alien species around coastal waters. Carpet sea squirt (Didemnum vexillim) is believed to have been introduced to the Clyde by yachts from Wales and Ireland. It smothers underwater infrastructure and, once in place, is extremely difficult to eradicate.

Disturbance/Damage

� Some recreational activities may cause damage or disturbance to coastal and marine habitats and species. For example, the use of powered craft in shallow water or close to sensitive estuary environments, such as saltmarsh or mudflats, may result in damage or cause birds to take flight and waste energy resources. Activities on beaches and coastal areas, such as dog walking can have similar effects.

71

The Green Blue Initiative: http://www.thegreenblue.org.uk/72

KIMO (Kommunenes Internasjonale Miljø Organisasjon) http://www.kimointernational.org/Scotland.aspx

81

� Intensive boat traffic can cause disturbance to marine species such as cetaceans. The Marine Wildlife Watching Code provides guidance to help boat users minimise impacts on sensitive wildlife.

Impact of development

� The EU Habitats Directive requires the impact of developments to be taken into account if considered likely to have a significant effect on the integrity of a designated site, either individually or in combination with other plans (consideration of cumulative effects can mean that developments required by the sector may not be granted permission).

� Development of shoreside facilities such as marinas have been undertaken to date under the Town & Country Planning regime. The potential impact of a development on the natural features for which a site has been given a nature conservation designation has been a material consideration in the granting of planning permission.

� Expansion of the sector should be undertaken in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Climate change

� The potential impacts of climate change may have positive and negative effects on the sector.

� Changes that bring warmer weather and elongate the tourist season may allow the spring and autumn shoulder tourist seasons to develop further. Such an extension could impact on other matters. For example SEPA’s monitoring of bathing waters, which runs from April to September may become of more interest to beach visitors earlier and later in the season.

� As climate change brings more extreme weather, activities such as surfing and windsurfing may welcome wilder conditions. However, quality of wave conditions may deteriorate and increased wind speeds may be detrimental to surfing in particular.

� Rising sea levels could result in the loss or alteration of established point and reef surf breaks, although new breaks may be created. Sailing may be affected by changes in sandbanks, creating new hazards for grounding.

� Shoreside facilities that can’t be moved landwards or adapt to rising sea levels may find themselves subject to ‘coastal squeeze’. Increased storminess could negatively impact on infrastructure such as boats on moorings. These elements are likely to impact insurance premiums paid by individuals and marine businesses.

82

Economic Impact

Marine-related leisure and recreation make a significant and valuable contribution to the Scottish economy, often in rural areas along the western seaboard and islands where other opportunities for income generation may be limited.

Marine leisure industry

The British Marine Federation calculates that in 2010 the Scottish marine leisure industry directly supported around 1,600 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs through the provision of specialist services in boatyards, marinas and associated chandlery. Figures for 2009/10 calculate that the total industry’s revenue in Scotland was worth £92.7 million. The industry grew strongly in the 5 years to 2009 as disposable income grew and participants from outside Scotland discovered open sailing areas and associated facilities.

A breakdown of the BMF’s figures from Scottish members suggests that the wholesale distribution of engines and equipment accounts for 20% of the industry’s revenue, with boat repairs and servicing delivering a further 15% per annum. Manufacturing of engines and equipment, along with charters, hires and sailing schools account for over 14% each meaning that over 60% of the marine leisure industry’s worth in Scotland, around £60 million, comes from these four elements.

Sailing tourism

Scottish Enterprise’s 2009 survey of sailing tourism estimated the value of associated activities as over £101 million for the Scottish economy with £39 million generated in the West (Figure12.12). This provided a significant financial input to that area. The strong local market centred on the Firth of Clyde also supports specialist skills around a network of larger marinas and boat harbouring facilities.

Direct expenditure on resident berths and moorings is calculated at £40m throughout Scotland with multiplier effects adding an extra £25m.

Figure 12.12 Scottish Enterprise sailing Tourism Study 2009

Number of Scottish Enterprise Sailing Tourism study regions, 2009

Value % of total availableberthing

pontoons moorings

Scottish sea areas included

North

(Gairloch – Helmsdale –

Peterhead, Orkney &

Shetland)

£7.9 M 7.8% 1,792 224 North Scotland Coast

West Shetland East Shetland Moray Firth

East(Peterhead – Fife Ness -

Berwick)

£10.1 M 10% 1,067 480 East Scotland Coast Forth

Clyde(Clyde Estuary & Solway)

£44 M 43.6% 3,333 2,038 ClydeIrish Sea

West

(Argyll, Ardnamurchan -

Gairloch & Outer Hebrides)

£39 M 38.6% 1,030 2,637 Minches & Malin sea Hebrides

Total £101 million 100% 7,222 5,380

Source - Scottish Enterprise, 'Sailing Tourism in Scotland', 2009.73

83

Further information on marine tourism can be found on page 152 of Scotland’s Marine Atlas74.

Recreational sea angling

A survey carried out for the Scottish Government in 200975 identified that recreational sea angling generated £140.9 million for the Scottish economy and supported 3,148 FTE jobs.

The regional breakdown was :-

Figure 12.13 Regional breakdown of sea angling activity in Scotland

Region No. of resident sea anglers

Annual sea angler days spent in region

Total annual sea angler expenditure in region £M

Argyll & Lochaber 5,825 252,615 £22.6

Dumfries & Galloway 3,224 233,080 £25.2

Glasgow & West 23,548 269,783 £24.1

North East Scotland 8,904 234,307 £15.5

Northern Scotland 7,894 144,346 £11.2

Edinburgh, Fife & South East 20,455 250,868 £26.9

Western Isles 2,515 80,567 £9.2

Orkney & Shetland 2,823 74,640 £6.1

Outwith Scotland 50,000 NA NA

TOTAL 125,188 1,540,206 £140.9

Dive tourism

Dive tourism is particularly important to the local economies of Orkney and the Borders coastline. The wrecks of the German High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow and the underwater biological diversity of the Voluntary Marine Reserve off St. Abbs Head and Eyemouth attract thousands of participants each year respectively.

There is very little data available relating to the exact value of dive tourism to the Orkney economy but Orkney Visitor Survey 2008/09 lists diving as being the prime interest of 1% of those who visited the islands, around 142,000 in 2009.

Estimates for 2007 indicated 25,000 divers visited St. Abbs Head and Eyemouth, contributing £3.7 million to the local economy76. Data suggested that the activity supports 81.7 FTEs in the Scottish Borders area and has a GVA of £1.5 million per annum. A targeted marketing campaign promoting recent investment in new diving support facilities in the area is supporting this important local sector.

73

Scottish Enterprise Sailing Tourism in Scotland. Tourism Resources Company in association with EKOS and the British

Marine Federation (2010). http://www.scottish-

enterprise.com/~/media/publications%20archive/About%20Us/economic%20research/Sailing_tourism_in_scotland.ashx74

Scotland’s Marine Atlas: Information for the National Marine Plan 2011, Chapter 5, p152 www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas’75

Economic Impact of Recreational Sea Angling in Scotland. Glasgow Caledonian University, Grid Economics and Cogentsi

Research (2009) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/07/27115735/176

Diving on the East Coast of the Scottish Borders. Scottish Enterprise Borders, Tourism Resources Company and EKOS

Ltd. (May 2007)

84

Coastal wildlife tourism involves visitors who have a primary motivation to view, study and/or enjoy wildlife on the coast. Participants may view birds, mammals and coastal habitats from boats or from land vantage points with a strong emphasis on seals, cetaceans and cliff nesting seabirds .

The economic impact of wildlife tourism is concentrated in the Highlands and Islands, which accounts for 50% of wildlife trips and £124 million of expenditure by wildlife visitors. There is crossover between terrestrial wildlife watching and viewing coastal and marine species too. Coastal wildlife tourism has a net economic impact of £24 million, accounting for 36% of the total net economic impact of wildlife tourism and 995 FTE jobs. Marine wildlife tourism has a net economic impact of £15 million, accounting for 23% of total net economic impact of wildlife tourism and 633 FTE jobs.

Figure 12.14 Income, expenditure and employment in Scotland’s wildlife tourism

Wildlife tourism in Scotland Expenditure by tourists (£M)

Income to Scottish economy (£M)

Employment (FTE)

Terrestrial 114 64 3,061

Marine 63 36 1,705

Coastal 100 56 2,681

Total 277 156 7,446

Source: The Economic Impact of Wildlife Tourism in Scotland77

Other sectors

� Canoeing/kayaking - The Scottish Canoe Association has around 2,700 members, although not all will use the marine environment (2009/10 Annual Report). Participation on an informal basis may be higher - no confirmed numbers are available.

� Surfing – The Tiree Wave Classic windsurfing event contributed an economic income to the local area of £0.36 million in 200478

� Golf-related tourism - There does not appear to be any information specifically relating to the economic impact of golfing in coastal areas but global prestige events such as The Open, when held on links courses such as Turnberry, Carnoustie and St. Andrews, input to local economies and showcase golfing in Scotland to a global audience.

Spatial Constraints

The number of recreational users varies from region to region. The greatest competition for space between activities is in the area out to around three nautical

77

The Economic Impact of Wildlife Tourism in Scotland. International Centre for Tourism & Hospitality Research, Bournemouth

University (2010). http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/311951/0098489.pdf78

SNH, ’Valuing our Environment’, 2008. http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B313698.pdf. Page 6

Coastal and marine wildlife tourism

85

miles, although studies suggest there are relatively few examples of direct conflict.79

Recreational activities can help marine economic activities develop sustainably and in a way that safeguards environmental interests. Improved recognition of the economic importance of the sector and the need to plan to safeguard its development, including its dependence on the quality of the marine environment, is important.

Future

In the next few years, marine leisure and recreation sector elements envisage the following short, medium and long term developments:

Short term plans – by 2015

� Sailing - Produce detailed Sailing Tourism Development Strategies for the Clyde, West, North and East areas, identifying their geographic and development priorities such as the encouragement of more ‘home port’ residential berthing for Scottish markets and for those from outside Scotland:

- West: an emphasis on creating strategic hubs/clusters of berthing to service all the visiting markets and enhance the quality of the sailing product/experience. Ensure growth in the economy and distribution of economic benefit to many fragile rural disadvantaged areas.

- North: the creation of a ‘string of pearls’ and visitor nodes to encourage sailing itineraries in the area and attract visitors from Scotland and elsewhere, especially northern Europe.

- East: developments will be primarily influenced by a very local domestic market

� Tourism - VisitScotland is developing a Sustainable Tourism Strategy for Scotland that encompasses marine-related tourism and promotes what Scotland offers to a global audience. Tourism infrastructure will be developed to support this, for example facilities and investment in training to deliver world-class customer service.

� Recreational sea angling - Implementing activities identified in the Marine Scotland backed Strategy for recreational sea angling aimed at delivering more and bigger fish, encouraging uptake of the sport and promoting best practice amongst sea anglers.

� Diving - The idea of creating artificial dive sites will have been explored with possible sites and different options identified and considered.

� Marine wildlife watching - Potential for expansion in the market identified by Bournemouth University and Moray Firth Partnership surveys in 2009/10 is being realised but with no adverse effect on the natural features being watched. All boats taking tourists on trips to watch cetaceans, sea birds or other forms of marine wildlife are signed up to Codes of Good Practice.

79

Sectoral Interactions in the Firth of Clyde. Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative Clyde Pilot (2008).

http://clydeforum.com/ssmei/images/stories/Downloadable_PDFs/Sectoral-Interactions-Report.pdf?phpMyAdmin=5mN53B1p-

xO099PwRWkJHQg6uE8

86

Medium term plans – by 2020

Mid-term predictions are generally less specific than those for the short-term, although there is agreement amongst sectors that access to waterfront sites is the most important aspect of the continuation and development of their activities.

Offshore, the period up to 2020 should see the development and implementation of renewable energy generation fields, which may have an impact on some elements of the leisure and tourism sector. Cruising areas for yachts may have to take into account exclusion zones around renewables sites. Views over seascapes, both from land and further offshore, may be altered by the installation of infrastructure.

After installation, especially of fixed infrastructure, there may be some effects on wave and tidal resources, which in turn may affect sports such as surfing. During the period 2015-2020 emerging issues may come to the fore which will require management of activities as well as planning for other developments.

There will be a significant increase in participation in sea angling, following from improvements to stocks as a result of changes in fisheries management. ‘Best value’ of inshore fish stocks will be achieved through effective use of economic and social impact analyses when determining inshore fisheries policies.

Long term plans - up to 2050

In the longer term, marine-based leisure and recreation pursuits continue to be part of a balanced portfolio of uses made of the offshore and coastal environment, making a significant contribution to the Scottish economy.

Scotland will be once again a premier European destination for sea angling, complementing its similar status for cruising and other sailing activities as well as the many different recreational resources found around its coastline.

87

SECTION 4

MARINE TRANSPORT - SHIPPING, PORTS, HARBOURS, AVIATION, FERRIES, MARINE COASTGUARD AGENCY

Key Challenge

Objectives

Background

In global terms, Scotland has a small open economy ie. dependant on trade for many essential goods and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. Maritime transport and infrastructure are therefore essential to continued economic growth in Scotland.

Ports are a key part of the maritime infrastructure, providing the transport infrastructure between land and sea. Ports’ role is critical to the effective movement of cargo and people, especially in the context of today’s global economy and the ever increasing demands of the consumer. All of Scotland’s ports contribute in their own way to their local and regional economies, and in many cases to the national economy. Ports’ role is crucial not only in supporting the projected future growth of freight traffic, but also in supporting some of Scotland’s more fragile and remote

To maintain efficient and economically viable vessel movements within and around Scotland’s marine area.

Take advantage of the lower environmental cost per tonne compared to road transport.

To support essential maritime transport links to island and remote mainland communities.

� To avoid marine wind farm development within areas of high shipping density and ensure safety of navigation.

� To increase the use of shore based electricity when in port; and shore based electricity should be available in all major ports by 2025

� To take account of strategic importance of ports in providing access to international markets.

� To follow a market driven approach to development of ports � To encourage the development of ports and harbours infrastructure and

manufacturing capacity to service renewables sector and other industries. � To ensure ports and shipping fully contribute to modal change. � Ensure that improvements to ports, their rail and road infrastructure are fully

considered in modal change.� Reduce CO2, NOx and other emissions of shipping � To support the sustainable economic, social and cultural development of

island and remote mainland communities.

88

communities. Ports look after maritime traffic, including shipping, fishing and recreational traffic. Traffic ranges from 5 - 10 m leisure vessels to 400 000 tonne tankers. The ports sector in Scotland is varied and consists of a mix of private, Local Authority and trust ports of various sizes.

Current situation

There are around 110 ports in Scotland. Eleven are classified as major ports (handling over 1m tonnes of cargo per annum), of which eight handled at least 2m tonnes. Forth Ports was one of the five UK leading ports by tonnage, handling 39.1 million tonnes of cargo, mostly oil. Scottish ports in total handled over 85.5 million tonnes of cargo in 200980 of inward and outward traffic. Ports also play an important role in passenger traffic, 10 million passengers per annum pass through Scottish ports81. The Northern Ireland ferry routes from Stranraer and Cairnryan are used by nearly two million passengers a year, and intra-Scottish services are used by almost 8 million passengers every year. Figure 12.16 sets out shipping densities around Scotland in January 2010. Scotland’s Marine Atlas (page174) provides further details.

Many of the ferry services in Scotland are subsidised by the Scottish Government to maintain or improve the economic and social conditions of the Highlands and Islands. The Scottish Government currently funds services in the Clyde and Hebrides, Northern Isles and Gourock to Dunoon. The Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services are currently operated by CalMac Ferries Ltd. The network conveys passengers, cars and commercial vehicles on 28 routes serving 24 islands and 4 remote peninsulas. The Northern Isles passenger and freight ferry services to Orkney and Shetland are currently operated by Northlink Ferries. The Scottish Government also provides support for a lift-on lift-off (lo-lo) freight shipping service between Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Lerwick. This service is operated by Shetland Line. In addition to the services supported by the Scottish Government, inter-island ferry services in Orkney and Shetland are supported by Orkney Island Council and Shetland Island Council respectively. There are also a number of local services provided by Highland Council and Argyll and Bute Council.

In 2008, 98.7% of all Scottish port traffic was handled by 16 major port areas. In the same year ferries and ports handled 9,805,718 passengers 2,092,536 cars and 160,160 commercial vehicles and buses.82 The busiest sea areas were the Clyde and Irish Sea (passengers 65% and cars 55% of all traffic) although its 37% for commercial vehicles equals that for the Minches and Malin sea. The National Planning Framework 2 (NFP2) sets out plans for development at Loch Ryan.

It was estimated (in 2006) that port activities account for around 18,000 jobs in Scotland.83

80



Scottish Transport Statistics: No. 28 - 2009 Edition. Scottish Government.


Scottish Ports Committee - Ports in Scotland “Delivering Value”, British Ports Association 2008 http://www.britishports.org.uk/files/Scottish%20Ports%20Committee%20Delivering%20Value%20Report%20-

%20low%20res%20new.pdf

89

Figure 12.15 Ferry routes84

84 Scotland’s Marine Atlas, Scottish Government 2011, Chapter 5, p175


90

Figure 12.16 Shipping density and major ports85

85

Scotland’s Marine Atlas, Scottish Government 2011, Chapter 5, p175


91


Scottish emissions from shipping are similar to those from its aviation activities, at just over two MtCO2e (Metric tonne Carbon Dioxide Equivalent) in 200686. Just under half comes from domestic navigation, including from the oil, gas and fishing industries as well as ferries. However, historically, reported annual emissions have fluctuated over time. This may reflect the fact that there is currently uncertainty in the inventory figures, with a revision to shipping fuel use data having been identified as one of the top priorities in the development of an improvement programme for the Devolved Administrations' inventory data.

There is the potential to reduce CO2 shipping emissions, but there are currently few incentives to do so. While the sector has made long term efficiency improvements and some technological advances, investment in shipping fleets inevitably takes time with the result that early improvement in the emissions intensity of shipping will require significant additional interventions. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are seeking global agreement on lowering shipping emissions. The EU has announced it will take unilateral action to limit shipping emissions if IMO has not reached agreement by end of 2011.

In terms of NOx, the use of shore based electricity generation as opposed to that generated by ships would significantly reduce NOx emissions. The International Maritime Organisation set the standards for NOx emissions for international shipping. New regulations87 were introduced in 2008 which strengthen the requirements worldwide for all new ships built after January 2011.

Ballast Water

Ballast is required for both safety reasons and for the economic operation of vessels in the modern shipping industry. However it can present serious consequences to the marine environment through the accidental introduction of non-native species when ballast water is discharged in harbours or coastal waters. Of the thousands of species transported worldwide in ballast water not all will become established in a new environment or cause noticeable harm. Others however, may have detrimental effects. Estimations of the tonnage of ballast water transported worldwide annually vary from 2,000 - 10,000 million tonnes. Ballast water discharges in the vicinity of Scottish Ports have been estimated as being between 17 and 26 million tonnes.

The IMO Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments was agreed in 2004 but is not yet in force. The UK government is in the process of ratifying a convention where vessels will have to install Ballast Water treatment systems88 to treat the water to ensure it meets the agreed standard. Marine Scotland Science and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are working together to review ballast water treatment and management methods.

86


http://www.imo.org/OurWork/Environment/PollutionPrevention/AirPollution/Pages/Air-Pollution.aspx88

The 2010 list is contained in document BWM.2/Circ.30 which can be downloaded from IMO website (from IMO home page

www.imo.org, click on “Circular” in quick link, click on “BWM ”).

92

Navigational Dredging

Ports generally have a statutory responsibility to maintain navigation channels for port users. This remit includes dredging to keep the navigational channels open.Infrastructure expansion and navigational dredging may cause habitat damage or loss although the level of dredging activities has been relatively stable over the past decade and is unlikely to fall. The need for dredging may be increased in coming years by a growth in ship size, requiring deeper and wider navigation channels.

Ship to Ship Transfers

Ship to ship transfers is a reserved issue under the control of the UK Department of Transport. The decision on oil licence transfers in Scottish waters are taken by the Secretary of State for Transport. On 1 April 2011 the Merchant Shipping (ship to ship transfers) Regulations 2010 will come into force superseding the 2008 regulations. The Regulations will maintain the policy of harbour authorities requiring oil transfer licences. Harbour authorities that have a history of hosting ship to ship transfers will continue to benefit from transitional arrangements. The IMO are developing international legislation in the form of an amendment to the MARPOL89

convention.

The Scottish Government has a preference for ship to ship transfers of oil as cargo to be undertaken in port and harbours with a good track record of handling the environmental risks of this activity. New programmes (and the adaptation of existing programmes) should only be approved after taking into account the environmental impacts, the current capacity in existing locations and the case for new locations to be exposed to the environmental risks of this activity. Scotland’s existing operations are located on Orkney, Shetland and at Nigg Bay and will continue at these locations.

The Scottish Government supports the transposition of MARPOL Convention / London Convention Agreements into domestic legislation at the earliest opportunity to regulate ship to ship transfers of oil as cargo in offshore waters.

Emissions

In comparison to road transport shipping can be a very fuel efficient method of moving bulk freight and is generally the most low carbon method currently available for long distance movement of freight. Given Scotland’s geography there is an opportunity for a significant modal shift that would impact at the national level on CO2

emissions.

An example of modal shift is the pilot scheme being run by the Great Glen Shipping Company who secured an award of a Mode Shift Revenue Support Grant of£121,728 from the Scottish Government in October 2010 to transport timber by water instead of road. The scheme will transport 12 000 tonnes of timber by sea and canal and 1600 tonnes of timber products by canal removing 136 000 lorry miles from Scotland’s roads.

89

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships

93

IMO has developed technical and operational energy efficiency measures to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions from international shipping. By 2020, a 5-10% emissions reduction through technology measures and another 10% reduction through demand and fleet management could reduce shipping emissions by 0.4 Mt CO2

90. By 2050 shipping emissions might be halved.

As the design life of vessels is 15-30 years, these improvements will only make reductions per tonne-kilometre possible over the medium to long term, although policy levers could accelerate emissions reductions. For example:

� Public sector investment in new vessels for subsidised lifeline ferry services

� Supporting the development of emissions reduction targets in shipping operations.

� Developing and deploying alternative propulsion such as diesel-electric hybrids and liquefied natural gas.

Emissions of NOx due to incomplete combustion in ships turbines while in port are significant. The use of electricity from the shore while in port offers the possibility of both reducing emissions and improving ships efficiency. Where available shore based electricity could be used - the Government’s view is that shore based electricity should be available in all major ports by 2025. Shore to ship power generation has to be standardised so that ships fitted for the shore based power could connect to any port.

Given the variable output of some renewable sources of energy, large baseload power stations will have a role to play in maintaining the stability of electricity supply for some time ahead. Potential locations for carbon capture and storage projects include Hunterston where there is capacity to accommodate a major new clean coal fired power station, and Peterhead where the technology could be applied at the existing gas plant.

Economic impact

Shipping will continue to be a key economic sector in Scotland for the foreseeable future. Currently some 80% of the worlds trade is transported by sea. As new trade routes open, for example around Canada, and ships continue to grow in size there may be further opportunities for Scotland to explore its position as a international gateway to and from Europe.

Oxford Economics reports for the Chamber of Shipping91 in 2009 estimates that from a turnover of £9.5 bn the shipping industry contributes about £4.7bn GVA to the UK. A second report for the UK Major Ports Group92 in 2009 suggests that ports contribute around £7.7bn to UK GDP. Neither report presents a breakdown for Scottish shipping or ships. However, Scottish ports handle about 17.5% of UK trade by volume which would suggest Scotland’s ports contribute between £1bn - £1.5bn to the Scottish economy.

90


http//www.british-shipping.org/publications/ (dated February 2009) 92

http://www.ukmajorports.org.uk/pages/published-documentation (dated September 2009)

94

Spatial constraints

The use of the marine environment is spatially planned where appropriate, based on an ecosystems approach which takes account of climate change and recognises the protection and management needs of marine cultural heritage according to its significance. The spatial extent of changes, be it to habitat through to operational discharge, littering or other marine pressures can be gauged using data on the distribution of ports around Scotland and the UK.

Safety of Navigation

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. It is responsible throughout the UK for implementing British and international maritime law and safety policy including counter pollution and salvage, ship survey and inspection, wreck, co-coordinating search and rescue, seafarer competence, and other aspects of sea and inland waterway activity. MCA survey and inspection staff also survey all ships of the British merchant fleet while in service or under construction to ensure that they meet high standards of safety and pollution prevention

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is consulting on proposals for a reduction in the number of HM Coastguard Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCC) located across Scotland. The MCA preferred option would see the current five MRCC in Scotland reduced to one full time Maritime Operations Centre (Aberdeen) and one part time sub-centre (daylight hours only) in either Stornoway or Lerwick. It is estimated that if the preferred option of closures is implemented that savings of around £5m per annum will result across the UK.

The Scottish Government is opposed to the UK Government’s proposals to reduce the number of Scotland’s coastguard stations, and will be making such a case in its response to the consultation to retain the stations that support the vital and often dangerous work that is undertaken by the Coastguard. Maritime safety, not financial savings, should be the driving force behind any review.

Emergency Towing vessels

On 20 October the Department for Transport announced that it would no longer provide funding for the four Emergency Towing Vessels. The Scottish Government is very concerned about this matter. It considers the withdrawal of the Government funded Emergency Towing Vessels will greatly affect the ability to respond timeously and effectively to any incident that may occur in the future.

95

Future

Short term plans

60% of worldwide trade is containerised. This is expected to rise to 90% by 2015. This rise is likely to reinforce the trend for bigger ships which will require larger ports. While some European ports may be able to expand to meet demands of larger ships there may be a demand for bigger port capacity in locations such as the Orkney transhipment hub. The increase in containerisation will also require changes in Scotland. The National Planning Framework (2) suggests a Grangemouth freight hub and additional freight capacity on the Forth.

The development of the renewables industry and the decline of the oil industry will bring inevitable changes to the ports industry. The National Renewables Infrastructure Plan stage 2, a Scottish Enterprise and Highland and Islands report, highlights the need for development of ports and harbour infrastructure. This includes quayside infrastructure, land remediation and reclamation and improvement of water depth at the quayside to service the growing marine renewables sector.

The National Renewables Infrastructure Fund, a £70 million fund announced in November 2010, is to be used to strengthen port and manufacturing facilities and the supply chain provision for manufacturing offshore wind turbines. The fund will be delivered through a partnership of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise. As a commercial activity, ports harbour and shipping will be driven by trends in world trade, available trade routes, and the development of indigenous marine industries.

Medium - long term plans

In general the protection of existing shipping lanes, and the flexibility to expand to accommodate new lanes such as the North West passage, will be fundamental to protecting the ports industry in Scotland. Lack of flexibility could result in Scotland losing vital trade to other European ports. It is the Government’s presumption that there will be no developments in key navigational areas around Scotland i.e. those areas with very high levels of ship density. The presumption of no development would also extend to lifeline ferry routes as set out in map above.

96

SECTION 5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND CABLES

Key Challenge

Objective

Background

The late 1990s saw an unprecedented growth in the deployment of international telecommunications cables around the world, spurred by the internet revolution and e-commerce. Consent is required from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for any proposal to install telecommunications cables at sea and in other tidal waters below the level of mean high water spring tides.

Submarine telecommunication and power cables are integral parts of modern society, they provide infrastructure and connectivity for communications and electrical power to local communities, nationally & internationally.

Submarine cables are the critical infrastructure which provide communication and electrical power to many remote and or island communities within Scotland, which are essential both now and into the future.

Current situation

Modern cables are usually buried into the seabed at water depths down to approximately 1500 m as a protective measure against human activities. However, some shallow-water cables may be placed on the seabed in areas unsuitable for burial, such as rock or highly mobile sand. For water depths greater than 1500 m, deployment on the seabed is the preferred option.

An international network passes north and south of Shetland connecting North America to Europe; these do not make a landfall in Scotland. Other cables connect Shetland and Orkney to mainland Scotland, mainland Scotland to Northern Ireland and the Faroe Island. Some connect to the oil and gas fields. Scottish islands are generally connected to the mainland by microwave transmission rather than cables.

To develop cable laying technology - to bury future cables deeper and reduce restriction of other seabed users, whilst maintaining access for maintenance.

� Achieving the highest possible quality and safety standards, while protecting the environment and minimising the impact on the surrounding habitat.

� To develop an understanding of the impact of electromagnetic fields on marine animals.

97

Over 95% of international telecommunication is by submarine cable93. International cables today are exclusively fibre optic which carry many thousands of simultaneous transmissions. There are 4,802.33 kms of active cable in Scottish seas.


Impacts from cable installation on the seabed are generally short term and relatively small scale (localised). Some further localised effects can occur if the cable is lifted for necessary maintenance. Approximately 40% (4,163 kms of 11,000 kms) of all the UK’s active international cables are on the Scottish seabed.94

Bearing in mind the low number and the relatively small spatial extent of cables; the laying of cables leads to seabed disturbance and associated impacts of damage, displacement or disturbance of flora and fauna, increased turbidity, release of contaminants and alteration of sediments. Along with noise and visual disturbance, these effects are mainly restricted to the installation, repair works and/or removal phase and are generally temporary. In addition, their spatial extent is limited to the cable corridor (in the order of 10 m width if the cable has been ploughed into the seabed). Such impacts relate to both submarine telecommunications and power cables. Some mobile benthos are able to avoid disturbance and although sessile species such as bivalves and tubeworms etc. will be impacted, the principal risk is to sensitive habitats. These include slower growing vulnerable or fragile species. Avoidance of such areas for cable placement would be an appropriate mitigation measure.

Economic Impact

It is difficult to assess the exact value of this sector. Adopting the methodology in Charting Progress 2 the estimated value of the telecommunications industry in Scottish waters is £1.02 bn95 but it is inappropriate to attribute this between the Scottish sea areas. It is also not representative of the direct contribution to the Scottish economy as the traffic does not necessarily start or end in Scotland. What it shows is that Scotland’s seabed has a significant value because of the amount of telecommunications traffic passing through cables laid on it. Further, the figure underestimates the potential strategic and economic benefit of the data carried, including internet traffic. More generally, the economic and social benefits of the internet underpin the Scottish Government’s forthcoming Digital Strategy. The number of jobs associated with submarine cables is not known.

Spatial constraints

Considering the low number and the relatively small spatial extent of cables, there appears to be few reported conflicts between telecoms and cables and other marine activities.

93

www.unep-wcmc.org/pdfs/ICPC-UNEP_Cables.pdf94

Scotland’s Marine Atlas: Information for the National Marine Plan 2011, Chapter 5, p184 www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas95

http://chartingprogress.defra.gov.uk/telecom-and-power-cables

98

Future

Short term plans Submarine cables will be vital for the foreseeable future. The extent to which any new cables will be laid in Scottish waters is not known. The number of additional submarine cables on the Scottish seabed will depend on a variety of factors such as the destination countries and the most suitable starting point for such a cable. Medium term plans There will be an increasing number of cables entering service as the number of offshore wind farms increases. In the medium term development of marine renewable energy projects (wave and tidal energy) will create a similar requirement, for cables transporting electricity to the grids. Wind farms also have cables connecting turbines with each other and with transformer stations. Long term plans

Offshore power generation is likely to move further out to sea thus leading to an increasing number and length of cables perpendicular to the coast. Assessment of the environmental impact of off-shore and wind farms will be important.

99

SECTION 6 MILITARY ACTIVITIES

Key challenge

Objectives

Background

Defence is a reserved issue but there is a need to identify the implications of defence marine use for other marine users and to minimise the impacts.

The Ministry of Defence uses Scotland’s seas and coasts mainly for training. Coastal establishments and the adjacent seas are used for maritime training activities, and surveillance and monitoring of potential threats to the country’s offshore interests. All UK armed services use the marine environment, the primary user being the Royal Navy for its naval establishments, fuel depots, jetties and exercise areas. Coastal locations are used for both land based military training activities, camps and firing and test evaluation ranges. Detailed information about the intensity of military use of the seas is not available for reasons of confidentiality. However it’s worth noting that military firing ranges are not in constant use and where appropriate other activities are permitted where consistent with operational requirements.

Current

The major training activity each year is the Exercise Joint Warrior with Navy, Army and Air Force exercises conducted mainly in northern area. These waters, including those of the Inner Hebrides, form the Navy’s Scottish Exercise Areas, part of the overall Practice Exercise Areas. These are marked on navigation charts and cover large areas of sea which are used extensively for training throughout the year. The areas marked on the chart emphasise the defence use of the sea.

Continue to support the seas delivering military and security objectives, maintaining freedom of movement for the navy and other sea users

The objectives of the MOD in terms of their use of Scotland’s seas for defence purposes are:

� Where possible, to minimise the impact of its activities on the environment.

� Maintain flexibility to close sites and create by-laws for complete closures � Maintain exclusive use of areas during particular times of the year � Maintain ability to deploy flexible and broad range of capabilities � Exemptions in planning law for the purposes of national security � Maintain MOD agreement with fisheries in accordance with code of

conduct.

100

Figure 12.17 Environmental Impacts of MOD activity

Pressuretheme

Pressure Impact

Introduction of non-syntheticsubstances and compounds

Release of oil and other hazardous substances (from accidental and incidental discharge of cargo or fuel, munitions, discharges from port facilities and shipbuilding/ship repair yards) may result in contamination of water and sediments and ecological impacts on wildlife, mariculture and tourism.

Pollution and other chemical pressures

Introduction of radio nuclides

Radionuclide contamination.

Litter Ships rarely dispose of shell cases at sea due to tight regulations fired.

Other physical pressures

Noise impacts Noise from construction, ship movements, sonar activity and use of live explosives for training purposes. Use of live explosives and other exclusive activities may restrict other users which could have an overall positive effect on an area.

Habitatchanges

Habitat damage, loss and / or abrasion

Infrastructure associated with military activity, such as ports, replaces natural coastline (habitat loss) with man-made structures. Capital and maintenance dredging associated with shipping can damage marine benthic habitats. Ship wash can damage habitats.

Microbialpathogens

Release of sewage introduces pathogens and nutrients into the water, affecting water quality and potentially passing on diseases to humans through contact with contaminated water or consumption of contaminated shellfish.

Biologicalpressures

Introduction or spread of non-native species

Non-native species may be translocated or spread in ballast water and as fouling organisms on ships’ hulls. These may cause habitat modification and competition with native species.

Source: Based on CP2 PSEG Feeder Report table 3.24 and 3.53 (See also table in Maritime Transport section for shipping

related pressures and impacts ) and draft UK Marine Policy Statement

101

Future

Short – medium term goals

This section highlights the short to medium term goals of the MOD and the economic challenges it presents. The need to designate security zones, the decline of oil and gas and conflicts with other sectors such as commercial fishing, aquaculture, recreational activities, and offshore renewables are issues. Access to Faslane is a significant issue as are marine reserves/MPA protection measures. The Scottish Exercise Areas are very much interlinked into this. Scottish seas will continue to be used for training in all aspects of defence, although an increase in size of these areas is not envisaged.

Figure 12.18 MoD exercise areas, firing ranges and military coastal locations

102

SECTION 7 MARINE ENVIRONMENT

7.1 MARINE NATURE CONSERVATION

Key challenges

To ensure marine nature conservation is integral to marine management and decision making and to promote sustainable use of marine resources.

To contribute to protection and, where appropriate, recovery of the Scottish marine area.

To ensure successful conservation outcomes by managing development pressures.

To ensure conservation objectives in Marine Protected Areas are met.

To mitigate for and adapt to climate change induced impacts on the marine environment, including marine ecosystems.

To improve evidence base for valuation of ecosystem services including economic benefits of conservation action

Objectives

Nature conservation measures have an integral role in ensuring a healthy and resilient marine environment necessary to support a range of marine interests and industries. The Marine Nature Conservation Strategy for Scotland96 outlines the objectives Marine Scotland considers appropriate to meet a range of national and international commitments to better protect our marine natural environment.

The Strategy focuses on a three pillar approach to marine conservation i.e. species measures, site protection measures and wider seas measures. The latter refers to marine planning and sectoral policies and initiatives that make an indirect contribution to nature conservation. Marine planning will provide opportunities for integrating conservation policies within marine decision making, for example by steering harmful activities from important wildlife sites.

The following objectives are derived from, and build upon, those in the Marine Nature Conservation Strategy and UK Marine Policy Statement.

96

Marine Nature Conservation Strategy

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marine-environment/Conservationstrategy/

103

Figure 12.19 Marine Nature Conservation Objectives

Marine nature conservation - 3 pillar approach

� To use a 3 pillar approach to marine nature conservation (species protection

measures, site protection measures and wider seas measures) and to ensure linkages and co-ordination between them in order to achieve Good Environmental Status and

sustainable management.

� To improve systems for monitoring the status of habitats and species, increase

understanding of ecosystems and the services they provide and achieve better join-up

of infrastructure for marine surveys and enforcement.

Site measures Species measures Wider seas measures

� To establish an ecologically coherent

network of well managed

Marine Protected Areas.

� To ensure that Priority Marine Features receive

appropriate action and

other national and

international features are conserved.

� Implement Invasive Non-Native Species Framework

Strategy for Great Britain

where relevant to the marine environment.

� To make use of existing and new mechanisms to

manage pressures on

sites, species and

ecosystems

� To promote sustainable

use of our seas through appropriate marine

management measures.

Marine planning can

contribute by:

� taking account of SAC,

SPA and MPA

designations when decision are taken

� managing activities which

are damaging to features for which a site is

designated

� contributing to

achievement of site conservation objectives

and protection by

complying with duties in the Marine Acts, and

Guidance on Natura.

Marine planning can contribute

by:

� marine plans demonstrably

contributing to improving

the status of PMFs*, seals and other features of

conservation importance

when taking decisions which may impact them

� taking information on seal haul outs into

consideration in decisions

which could impact upon seal populations (see

Figure 12.2)

� taking account of guidance

on disturbance, licensing

and associated mitigation measures for European

Protected Species e.g.

cetaceans

� helping to reduce, and where possible prevent,

the introduction of invasive

non-native species

Marine planning can

contribute by:

� introducing wider seas

measures for features

not in Favourable Conservation Status

� licence decisions taking account of PMFs and

EPS

� marine plans identifying

where marine planning is

an appropriate management tool for

Marine Protected Areas

and where other measures are required

� taking account of the Marine Scotland Marine

Litter Strategy (in development)tocontribute to reducing

impact of marine litter on

the marine environment

� considering impacts of

developments on least damaged/more natural

areas before decisions

are taken

104

Figure 12.19 continued from overleaf

� Collaboration and integration of survey work across the marine agenda between Marine

Scotland, partner bodies and marine planners.

� Marine Scotland in partnership with marine planners and stakeholders will identify and implement measures to deliver Good Environmental Status.

� Marine Plans will identify where sector plans can contribute to conservation aims and Good Environmental status.

* Priority Marine Features: Marine features of nature conservation importance for Scotland. They include species, habitats and other marine features such as seamounts.

The current situation

Significant parts of our seas are under pressure from anthropogenic factors. Consequently there is a need to protect vulnerable species and habitats to ensure the marine environment can continue to underpin a range of interests and industries.

Until recently nature conservation activity in Scottish waters has focussed primarily on the implementation of EC Birds and Habitats Directives. The Directives require the establishment of a system of strict protection and monitoring of a range of species and habitats. For some features this includes the designation of Special Protected Areas (SPAs) for birds and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for specific species and habitats.

The Marine (Scotland) Act and UK Marine and Coastal Act have introduced new powers to designate Marine Protected Areas to protect features of conservation importance in both inshore and the Scottish offshore region. This means that for the first time we can protect marine features other than those which are of European significance.

Work is currently underway to implement these powers, including the identification of features of conservation importance for which spatial measures are appropriate tools.

Marine planning can

contribute by:

� marine plans outlining

their contribution to measures under Marine

Strategy Framework

Directive to achieve Good

Environmental Status.

� marine plans contributing to biodiversity elements of

Scottish Marine and

Fisheries Climate Change

Adaptation Plan.

105

We are making good progress in delivering conservation measures and policies to protect marine habitats and species, especially in relation to EC coordinated action. For example, Scotland has:

� 64 SPAs which are within or have links to the marine environment. These protect nationally important seabird colonies, such as gannets and fulmers

� 40 marine SACs (approximately 4% of the total area of territorial waters within 12nm) which offer protection to a range of species and habitats, including lagoons, reefs and bottlenose dolphins. These include 6 SACs in the offshore area designated under UK legislation.

These are illustrated in Figures 12.20 and 12.21

The EC Directives also require strict protection of particular species. This includes a requirement for licences for activities such as developments which disturb cetaceans. Environmental Impact Assessment provides a mechanism which allows other features to be taken account of in wider marine licensing.

Scottish Natural Heritage has powers under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to notify parts of the intertidal area and adjacent coastal land as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) to protect biodiversity and geodiversity features. There are currently 45 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Scotland which contain some intertidal features of interest such as sandflats, saltmarsh and breeding seabirds

Marine Protected Areas Implementation of the new conservation powers will result in the designation of Marine Protected Areas in the seas around Scotland to protect features of conservation importance. [MPA search feature to be made available in appropriate format in future iterations].

MPAs together with sites designated under EC Directives will contribute to Scotland’s international commitments to deliver an ecologically coherent network of well managed marine protected areas. MPAs will be designated according to Marine Scotland’s Guidelines on the Selection of MPAs and Development of the MPA network.97 Priority will be attached to defining the sites by 2012. This will provide planners, developers and investors with some certainty and it will contribute towards our seas being managed to provide ecosystem benefits.

Marine planning and marine nature conservationMarine planning is recognised as a component of the wider seas pillar of Marine Scotland’s Marine Nature Conservation Strategy. Marine planning will provide opportunities to improve the conservation of significant features not protected by, or within, MPAs and Natura Sites. [A list of Priority Marine Features will be made available in future iterations].

The consideration of sensitive species and habitats within planning decisions will contribute to positive conservation outcomes. The Marine (Scotland) Act places a duty on Ministers to state their policies on the contribution of nature conservation

97 Guidelines on the selection of MPAs and development of the MPA networkhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/marinescotland/mpaguidelines

106

MPAs and other protected areas to the protection and enhancement of the marine plan area98. The objectives in Figure 12.19 fulfil this duty, which is best done by marine plans and management decisions taking account of features of sites and their requirements (see Habitats Regulations Appraisal of plans: guide for plan-making bodies in Scotland).99

Figure 12.19 identifies the objectives which marine plans can specifically contribute to. Development proposals for example should take account of sensitive areas and consider alternative locations for activity. Sensitive areas include Priority Marine Features locations, areas used by wide ranging species such as cetaceans and areas described as least damaged/more natural – an important element in the development of MPA proposals. [A map of least damaged/more natural areas will be available in future iterations]

An important issue of growing concern is marine litter. All public authorities, including those on land, should consider opportunities to reduce their contribution to marine litter when developing new strategies, plans and programmes.

Seal haul-outs The Marine (Scotland) Act introduced a range of measures to improve the protection afforded to seals, including an offence to harass a seal at a haul-out site. Haul out sites will be designated based upon scientific advice and will inform marine planning in the future. A separate consultation will be undertaken before these are designated.

Marine Strategy Framework DirectiveThe Directive requires our seas to meet Good Environmental Status. A number of descriptors, such as seafloor integrity, food webs and biodiversity have direct bearing on nature conservation policy. The Directive also requires spatial protection measures as part of a programme of measures to achieve Good Environmental Status. Public bodies will be expected to contribute to the delivery of marine plans and the implementation of Good Environmental Status measures.

98

Section 5 (3) Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 99

http://www.snh.gov.uk/policy-and-guidance/guidance-documents/document/?category_code=Guidance&topic_id=1472

107


Implementation of well considered conservation policy can be regarded as having positive environmental impacts in terms of stabilising, protecting or conserving habitats and species. However, in order to deliver maximum benefit, nature conservation action needs to be well defined and implemented to avoid unintended consequences. Spatial restriction of activities for example, can lead to displacement of pressures to other locations if these are not assessed and other measures taken.

In many cases, conservation measures are implemented with a view to long term protection and not all benefits may be immediately discernable. In contrast, emergency action may be taken to address immediate threats, providing immediate benefits. In most cases, conservation policy is targeted at the protection of populations rather than strict protection of individuals.

Economic impacts

Some industries such as wildlife tourism will experience enhanced economic growth as a result of enhanced biodiversity through conservation measures. Assessment of the environmental and economic impact of a conservation policy requires balancing benefits against the potential for negative impacts of limiting/managing damaging activities. Impact Assessments provide us with a useful mechanism to gauge economic impacts of site designations, but improved techniques are needed to value the environmental and economic benefits of conservation policy.

The cost of taking no action is high and may be substantially higher than the cost of remedial action, especially if the integrity of the marine ecosystem is at risk from damage. Further, we are committed to developing a common understanding of associated values and costs.

Spatial constraints

Work is underway to complete Natura networks and designate new MPAs to form the building blocks of a network of ecologically coherent marine protected areas. Other sites, such as SSSIs with marine components, will also contribute to the network. We have not predefined the proportion of the seas to be included in the network. Instead the spatial requirements will be determined by how best to protect features of interest. Current SACs and SPAs are illustrated in Figures 12.20 and 12.21.

We envisage sites will be managed according to the principle of sustainable use and therefore not all activities will be managed in all sites. Within MPAs there will be a presumption of use although specific activities within some sites may need to be restricted to protect designated features from damaging activities. Marine planning will play a significant role in managing damaging activities and consequently in contributing to the achievement of conservation objectives of sites and Good Environmental Status.

108

Figure 12.20 Current marine Special Areas of Conservation

Sources: UK Marine SPAs (JNCC, 2011), Ordnance Survey Background mapping (2009), Scottish Government 12nm Limit

(2009), Projection: British National Grid © Crown copyright and database right (2011). All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100020540. Scottish Government, Geographic Information Science & Analysis Team (GI-SAT) February 2011. Job:4733

109

Figure 12.21 Current marine Special Protection Areas

Sources: UK Marine SPAs (JNCC, 2011), Ordnance Survey Background mapping (2009), Scottish Government 12nm Limit (2009), Projection: British National Grid © Crown copyright and database right (2011). All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey

Licence number 100020540. Scottish Government, Geographic Information Science & Analysis Team (GI-SAT) February 2011. Job:4733

Marine planning will take account of other features of conservation importance when decisions are being made. Examples include Priority Marine Features, and seal haul out areas (see Figure 12.22). [note: information on PMFs etc will be made available for marine planning purposes in future iterations].

110

Figure 12.22 Locations of major seal haul-out sites.

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

!��

"�� #��

�� $�� %��&��'� (� �� (� ��)��

��

��*�(�*��

��**��+��,��

-��,��

��

��**��+�� .�)�/

-�� ."0/

��**��+��(�� .�/

) �))��*

1 ��2��34�� $�� ,�(�� 00��))0

111

7.2 MARINE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

Key Challenge

To realise the full potential of the marine historic environment as a resource – cultural, educational, economic and social.

Objectives

Background

From the earliest prehistoric settlement to the maritime developments of the industrial revolution and beyond, Scotland’s coasts and seas have been an integral part of Scotland’s cultural identity. As a result, the seabed and inter-tidal areas contain a rich cultural heritage that includes the remains of important historic assets of all periods from prehistory to the recent past. These fall into three broad categories:

� Artefacts or structures deposited on the seabed. These include lost ships, boats and aircraft, and objects of flotsam and jetsam that have made their way to the seabed either through accidental or deliberate deposition. These can occur anywhere, although they are most likely to be concentrated in areas hazardous to shipping, along important sea-routes and around ports, harbours and airfields. The maritime record of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) has approximately 20,000 records of potential cultural heritage features on the seabed. Of this number, around 15,000 represent documentary records of a casualty at sea and only approximately 1600 are identified sites where demonstrable remains have been located.

� Structures that have been built on the seabed or in intertidal areas such as fish traps, crannogs, tidal mills, jetties, and military defences. These tend to be found close to shore, with sheltered estuaries and bays offering the best conditions for preservation. Coastal Zone Assessment Surveys have recorded approximately 12000 sites along 30% of the Scottish coastal zone since 1997. The number of sites around the entire Scottish coast will be significantly larger.

� To enhance and promote knowledge and understanding of the marine historic environment through research, cross-sector mapping initiatives and dissemination of evidence about coastal and marine heritage assets

� To protect key marine heritage assets through effective marine planning, supported by statutory designation where desirable

� To ensure development within the marine context respects the setting of key heritage assets on land

� To secure greater enjoyment and economic benefit from, key coastal and marine heritage tourism resources

112

� Submerged sites and landscapes that were once dry land but have become submerged due to changes in post glacial sea level. Our level of knowledge of this resource is particularly poor but the shallower waters around Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles are likely to be the main areas where landscapes containing remains of human activity are considered most likely to survive. Mainland estuaries such as the Forth and the Solway may also contain areas of submerged archaeological interest.

They all help to define a sense of place, well-being and identity, forging connections between people and the places where they live, work and spend their leisure time.

Although the number of heritage assets in the marine environment is significant, there are relatively few that have been afforded statutory protection through designation (see table). Moreover, although heritage assets of national and international importance may survive beyond the territorial seas, international conventions do not allow for designation.

In addition to those sites which lie wholly within the marine environment, there are also a large number of scheduled monuments and listed buildings with both marine and landward elements including harbours (St Monans), industrial complexes (Bunavoneadar whaling station), bridges (the Forth Bridge), settlements (Kisimul Castle; Mousa Broch), religious sites (Iona Abbey; Callanais), lighthouses (Skerryvore) and military defences (Fort George; Tentsmuir coastal defences). For sites such as these, the sea can be an integral part of their ‘setting’, a key element in how they are experienced, understood and appreciated. The sea can also form an important element of the setting of sites and features outwith the immediate coastal zone.

Figure 12.23 Statutory designations relating to cultural heritage in the seas around Scotland.

Type of site No of sites Examples

Scheduled Monuments(*) 9 7 wrecks of German High Seas Fleet, Scapa Flow (designated as two areas)

Fishing-boat hulks, Aberlady Bay

Crannogs (Beauly Firth)

Listed Buildings 4 Bell Rock lighthouse

Designated wreck sites (**) 8 Kennemerland, Out Skerries

Protection of Military Remains Act 1986

Controlled Sites

Vessels designated by name as

Protected Places (***)

6

7

HMS Royal Oak, Scapa Flow

HMS Pathfinder, outer Firth of Forth

statutory designations relating to cultural heritage in the seas around Scotland. Figures correct at 18/11/10. (*) There are manymore scheduled monuments which exist on the coastal fringe and may have small foreshore components (**) A wreck designated under section 1 of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. This legislation will be repealed in due course in Scotland and

replaced by Historic Marine Protected Areas. (***) In addition to the numbers shown, all aircraft lost in military service are automatically Protected Places.

113

Figure 12.24 Historic Environment Statutory Designations

!(

!(

!(!(!(

!(!(

!(

!(

Key

Designated Wrecks

Controlled Sites

Protected Places

Listed Buildings

!( Scheduled monuments

Historic Environment Statutory Designations

114

Current situation

We are at the very beginning of the learning curve in terms of understanding the nature, location and character of historic assets within Scotland’s marine environment. Although there are a large number of basic records for sites, less than 10% of those within the marine environment have been recorded or surveyed with any accuracy. Obtaining detailed information can be difficult, expensive, and in some cases dangerous. Despite these problems, our knowledge base is developing. Initiatives such as the Coastal Zone Assessment Surveys and the SCAPE Trust’s on-going Shorewatch Project are increasing our baseline knowledge of sites around the coast. At the other end of the technological spectrum, the ScapaMAP project in Orkney has used advanced scanning and computing techniques to record, interpret and display the remains of the German High Seas Fleet in Scapa Flow in great detail.

Recent work has shown that the survival of individual marine heritage assets can be highly variable. Evidence from some 17th century shipwreck sites confirms that outstanding levels of preservation can occur where seabed conditions allow and disturbance is avoided. However, large numbers of relatively recent wrecks are in a phase of irreversible decay, and erosion along some sections of the Scottish coast is likely to continue to pose a significant threat to coastal heritage.


Underwater structures can provide habitats for wildlife and act as fish attraction devices. However, there is a pollution risk from some wrecks and military remains may present a specific risk from unused ordnance. However, taking into account the limited spatial extent of seabed heritage, the net impact of cultural heritage on the environment is likely to be neutral.

Economic impacts

Cultural heritage makes a valuable contribution to Scotland’s economy. Many heritage assets e.g. historic harbours and lighthouses remain in commercial use, and others generate economic value from tourism. Scotland’s Marie Atlas100 identified visitor income (ticket sales and other visitor expenditure) of £1.55 million in 2008 for 20 managed and visitable coastal heritage sites that provided economic data (out of 97). The limited availability of data means that these values underestimate the contribution of the sector to the economy. Also, some heritage tourism sites (for example, diver tourism to shipwrecks offshore) can be visited for free or do not generate visitor number data so while these assets do not make a direct measurable contribution to the economy, they do contribute to less measurable economic and social benefits such as education, health and well-being. As a pointer to the bigger economic picture, VisitScotland statistics indicate that approximately 83% of visitors come to Scotland primarily to visit historic sites.101 In terms of potential adverse impacts on other sectors, marine cultural heritage may hinder other forms of

100


www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas101



115

economic activity (snagging nets; obstructing navigation; restricting areas for development).

Spatial constraints

The majority of known cultural heritage assets occupy comparatively small and discrete areas of the seabed but they are vulnerable to a wide range of man-made and natural processes. Occasionally, conflicting interactions between other sectors and cultural heritage can occur.

Careful stewardship is needed to ensure that future marine activities and developments are carried out in a way that respects marine cultural heritage and the setting of important coastal heritage assets and protects this for the benefit of future generations.

Designated marine heritage assets represent sites of national or international significance for which there is a presumption in favour of preservation in situ.102

Activities or works which would have a direct impact on scheduled monuments or designated wrecks require the consent of Scottish Ministers through Historic Scotland, while the Ministry of Defence is the responsible authority for designations under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. In addition to statutory consent obligations relating to designated sites, all items of ‘wreck’ recovered from any area covered by this Plan must, by law, be reported to the Receiver of Wreck in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

In addition to those sites already designated, there are likely to be a number of currently undesignated sites of demonstrably equivalent significance which are yet to be fully recorded or await discovery. There are also a far greater number of undesignated assets which will not meet the criteria for national importance. Some of these assets can still contribute positively to the wider marine environment and to local economies. Historic Marine Planning Partnerships (HMPP) and licensing authorities should seek to identify significant historic environment resources at the earliest stages of the planning or development process and preserve them in-situ wherever feasible. As the spatial footprint of the majority of assets is small, avoidance during the development planning process should be possible in most cases.

In the few cases where in situ preservation is not feasible, licensing authorities should require developers to record the asset before it is lost, including where appropriate, through survey, excavation, analysis, publication and archiving. Licensing authorities and developers should be aware that such recording can be difficult, and can result in significant financial and time constraints on development.

The sea and coast also help to define the setting of many important historic buildings and monuments, aiding their understanding and appreciation. It is impossible to consider the remains of millennia of human activity in a location like the St Kilda

102

See Scottish Historic Environment Policy 2009, paragraph 1.14 http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/shep-publications.pdf

and; Scottish Planning Policy 2010, paragraph 118 -119


116

World Heritage Site without acknowledging the importance of the sea in shaping that activity. In accordance with Scottish Planning Policy, development proposals within the marine environment should seek to avoid or mitigate detrimental impacts on the settings of such assets.

Future

The development of effective marine planning and integrated coastal zone management will play an important part in delivering the historic environment’s key challenges and objectives outlined above. This be undertaken by guiding sustainable economic growth in Scotland’s marine environment in a way that respects the protection and management needs of cultural heritage according to its significance; and by helping to promote and enhance the benefits of cultural heritage resources so that people can appreciate them and act responsibly.

In working towards the sector’s key challenge and objectives, the following short and medium/long term stages have been identified.

Short term (2015)

• We should have begun to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the resource, demonstrating improvements from the existing baseline by being able to benchmark our new state of knowledge at any point in time. Although specific research into heritage assets would be beneficial, cost effective advances can be made by coordinated strategic research across the marine and heritage sectors and by advancing mechanisms to investigate, archive and disseminate heritage data from developer funded surveys.

• The first Historic Marine Protected Areas (HMPAs) should be in place and running effectively. This will involve review and transition of existing designated wreck sites and underwater scheduled monuments to Marine Protected Area status and identification of any further priority sites or areas.

• Public information about HMPAs and other designated assets should be widely available to guide uses of the sea;

Medium/long term (2020 and beyond)

• Continually improving understanding of the resource will be beneficial for marine planning and development allowing for better informed decision making and reduced risk to developers.

• An improving awareness of the risks to cultural heritage in coastal and marine environments allows us to develop, prioritise and implement where possible, beneficial, sustainable management responses for our most important sites and areas.

There will be increased public understanding and appreciation of the resource, coupled with a measurable increase in public access and use of our most important sites and areas. This will result in increased economic and social benefit from our coastal and marine cultural heritage.

117

SECTION 8 COASTAL / WATER

8.1 COASTAL PROTECTION AND FLOOD DEFENCE

Key Challenge

To safeguard and enhance value of coastal land against climate change.

To provide affordable protection against coastal change and flooding.

Objectives

� Protect coastal land and habitats against erosion and flooding. � Minimise and mitigate any landform changes that an activity or development will

have on coastal processes.� To ensure coastal activities and developments will themselves be resilient to risks

of coastal change and flooding.� To prevent and discourage development which may affect areas at high risk and

probability of coastal change unless the impacts upon it can be managed.� Minimise environmental impacts of coastal defence.

Background

Once coastline is lost it is unlikely ever to be recovered. At the pace that the sea level is rising, practical defensive action taken now may be capable of protecting for many years to come. Rising sea levels imply more flooding and more coastal erosion by waves for any given storm scenario. Coastal erosion and flooding can pose a threat to people and their property. For generations, society has built defences to prevent erosion and protect land from flooding. Examples of these include hard engineering solutions such as groynes (cross-shore structures designed to reduce long shore transport on open beaches or to deflect near shore currents within an estuary), sea walls and embankments.

A map showing flood defence schemes and coast protection schemes is available in Scotland’s Marine Atlas103.

The success of future planning and local economies depend on the sound management of the land, including working with coastal processes to minimise the impact of flooding and coastal erosion.

103

Scotland’s Marine Atlas, Scottish Government 2011, Chapter 5


118

Current Situation

Modern day approaches to erosion include soft engineering such as replenishing eroding beaches with sand, known as beach nourishment. As well as managed realignment, a measure often undertaken as a compensatory measure for coastal works, that may provide additional ‘soft’ flood and coastal defence benefits, allowing high tides to spread out. It is likely that these and other forms of soft coastal defence measures will increase.

There is no central record of all schemes undertaken historically although an aerial survey would indicate where the coast had most likely been altered. SNH estimate that 429km of mainland Scotland’s coast is artificial, 307km of this is coastal defences, the rest being other developments such as piers and harbours 104. Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) can produce a high-resolution map of terrain, from which it is possible to identify man-made structures. LIDAR also allows for the monitoring of changes in coastal structures. Further details on LIDAR images and an image is available in Scotland’s Marine Atlas.


Flood and coastal erosion risk management projects often have substantial impacts on the coastal environment.

Climate change and physical pressures Beach replenishment and nourishment to mitigate erosion changes the beach profile leading to hydrographic changes. Hydrographic change from the presence of coastal defence structures can change sedimentation pattern and may lead to erosion / sedimentation processes in adjacent areas. Defences may also lead to accelerated erosion in front of the defences.

Pollution, chemical and physical pressures Beach replenishment material used to mitigate erosion may contain contaminants. Noise introduction from activities such as construction and sediment addition for soft schemes can cause disturbance and changes to behaviour of certain species e.g. foraging birds movement and fish.

Habitat changes - Physical presence of structure:

� Hard coastal defences: fragment and replace sedimentary habitats, leading to habitat changes and species level pressures.

� Soft engineered schemes: Smothering may arise from the addition of new layers of material. Possible erosion of fine particles causes increased turbidity which can alter primary productivity within sub tidal areas. Nourished beaches have less diverse ecosystems than natural beaches, with reductions in dominant macro invertebrate species. Loss, reduction and replacement by other types of habitats.

� Beach replenishment / nourishment to mitigate erosion: Habitat changes where deposited material is different from current beach material; shell material may prevent erosion – important for dunes; coarser material may

104

Ritchie, W. and McLean, L. 1988. U.K. – Scotland. In Walker, H.J. (ed.) Artificial Structures and Shorelines. Kluwer. 127-135

as quoted in Scottish Coastal Forum: Strategy for Scotland’s Coasts and Inshore Waters - Task Paper 7: Coastal Defence And

Shoreline Management. Scottish Natural Heritage.

119

slow down vegetation successions enhancing habitat value for nesting shore birds; any change may alter suitability for burrowing species, food supply (including to shorebirds).

Economic Impact

Coast protection and flood defence schemes’ key contribution is through the protection of assets and infrastructure. They do not contribute directly to economic output, providing no measurable gross value added and the number of jobs associated with this sector is difficult to accurately measure. The expenditure on these projects, is high. Since 2000, 10 coastal protection schemes have been approved at an average cost of £1.27 million.1 However, with the existence of these schemes, come significant indirect social and economic benefits which include avoiding costs to society, reducing damage to economically important land and protecting property.

Pressures and impacts on Scotland’s socio-economics1

Positive impacts � Protection of property and business � Employment in construction � Conserving or enhancing amenity value of coastal land � Salt marsh habitat creates defence with lower maintenance cost

Negative impacts and pressures � Long term sustainability issues of hard engineering in face of rising sea level

and increased storm surges � Short term loss of amenity, and possible road congestion, during construction � Encourages coastal development in low lying areas.

Spatial constraints

Development will need to be safe over its planned lifetime and not cause or exacerbate flood and coastal erosion risk elsewhere. When developing marine plans we should take into account any areas identified as Coastal Change Management Areas by terrestrial planning authorities and consult with them to ensure no significant adverse impacts will arise in those areas.

Activities on the coast which may be relevant to marine planning include, for example, dredging, dredged material deposition, cooling water culvert construction, marine landing facility construction, land reclamation and flood and coastal erosion risk management.

Future

Short term goals

Major consideration must be given to ensuring that proposed new developments are resilient to climate change over their lifetime and resilient to risks of coastal change and flooding. There is potential resource for beach nourishment material from the

120

seabed although this would be subject to obtaining consent. Beneficial re-use of maintenance dredging spoil is an alternative source.

In line with the Scottish Planning Policy development should be avoided in areas of highest vulnerability to coastal change and flooding.

Medium term goals

A precautionary and risk-based approach, in accordance with the sustainable development policies of the UK Administrations, should be taken in terms of understanding emerging evidence on coastal process.

Account should be taken of the impacts of climate change throughout the operational life of a development including any de-commissioning period. Marine plan authorities should not consider development which may affect areas at high risk and probability of coastal change unless the impacts upon it can be managed. Marine planning should seek to minimise and mitigate any landform changes that an activity or development will have on coastal processes, including sediment movement.

Long term goals

Some local authorities have developed Shoreline Management Plans to guide the management of their coasts. Shoreline Management Plans identify the best way to manage the coast over a long period of time, taking into consideration the social, environmental and economic effects of different ways of protecting communities and land against coastal flooding and erosion.

121

8.2 WATER ABSTRACTION

Key challenges

Objectives

Background

Water abstraction is the process of taking water from any source, either temporarily or permanently. Most water is used for irrigation or treatment to produce drinking water. Removing or abstracting more than 20 cubic metres (approximately 4,400 gallons) water a day from a surface source such as a river, estuary or stream, or from an underground source, requires an abstraction licence. An abstraction licence gives you a right to remove a certain quantity of water from a supply source. It also guarantees that other applicants for an abstraction licence can take the share of water that is already allocated.

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) came into force in December 2000 and became part of UK law in December 2003. It provides an opportunity to plan and deliver a better water environment, focusing on ecology. The Directive aims to protect and enhance the quality of surface freshwater (including lakes, streams and rivers), groundwater dependant ecosystems, estuaries and coastal waters out to one mile from MLWS.

River Basin Management Plans were introduced by the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and agreed with Scottish Ministers in 2009. The development of river basin management planning represents a huge step forward in the way in which we safeguard and improve the quality of our water environment across Scotland and the Solway Tweed river basin districts.

To ensure that water resources are safeguarded and that abstractions do not damage the environment.

To meet the reasonable needs of water users, while leaving enough water in the environment to conserve river, lake, and habitats both human and animal.

To prepare for increased risks of flooding because of wetter winters and periods of intense rainfall.

To ensure that water resources are safeguarded and that abstractions do not damage the environment.

The Scottish Government will seek to achieve the following objectives:

� To limit abstraction by reducing leaks and improving efficiency of use; � Develop more sustainable urban drainage systems to reduce river

pollution - ongoing work with farmers to reduce pollution from the use of nitrate-containing fertilisers.

� Encourage good environmental status of water bodies

� To limit abstraction by reducing leaks and improving efficiency of use; � Develop more sustainable urban drainage systems to reduce river

pollution - ongoing work with farmers to reduce pollution from the use of nitrate-containing fertilisers.

� Encourage good environmental status of water bodies

122

Current situation

Over 97% of the urban waste water that is discharged to the water environment is collected, treated and discharged. Addressing the impacts caused by these discharges typically involves measures such as major upgrades to sewage treatment works or the relocation of discharges of treated urban waste water by means of new trunk sewers.

Making improvements needed to achieve good water quality in waters affected by these discharges requires considerable investment of time and resources to plan and design the works, obtain necessary development permissions and to undertake the capital engineering works.

Further information on water abstraction can be found in Scotland’s Marine Atlas105.


Achieving high water quality will ensure that wildlife recovers and thrives again in areas where it is currently under pressure. Removing barriers to fish migration will enable fish like Atlantic salmon and sea trout to re-colonise parts of the river basin district from which they have been absent for many decades.

Economic impacts

Protecting and improving our water environment will bring multiple benefits. A better water environment will increase potential for new sustainable water uses and so support our economic growth. Improving our waters will also increase the abundance and diversity of fish and provide opportunities for the development and expansion of fishing-related enterprises. Improving surface waters will enhance their amenity value to the benefit of our health, well-being and economic regeneration. Enhancing and restoring degraded urban rivers will contribute to the regeneration of our inner cities by helping to remove the appearance of dereliction and improving opportunities for recreation.

105

Scotland’s Marine Atlas: information for the national marine plan. Marine Scotland. page 170.


123

Future

Short, medium term plans

Future development needs to be planned carefully to avoid further pressure on the water environment and consistent with WFD objectives. Local planning authorities should consider the issues raised by flooding on the wider scale (of the river catchment and the coastal cell) and the need to work with natural processes in planning future development.

Marine planning authorities and developers can help to deliver River Basin Management Plan objectives by ensuring that proposed developments do not cause deterioration of water bodies and that spatial planning policies achieve ‘good ecological status’ in water bodies.

124

8.3 WASTE WATER

Key challenges

Objectives

Background

The Waste Management Licensing (Water Environment) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 transposed the requirements of the Water Framework Directive 2000 into Scottish Law, establishing a framework to protect and improve the ecological status of Scotland’s water environment, whilst also protecting the social and economic needs of those who depend upon it.

Waste water, commonly referred to as sewage, is generally a mixture of domestic waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines and toilets, and waste water from industry. It will often also contain rainwater run-off from roofs and other impermeable surfaces. To prevent environmental damage and poor water quality, the Scottish Government must provide adequate waste water infrastructure.

Appropriate collection, treatment and discharge of waste water, and disposal of sludge helps to protect and improve water quality in rivers and the marine environment. Treatment allows water to be returned to the environment, helping to maintain river flows, which is important for other uses such as downstream abstraction, biodiversity and fisheries.

Current situation

The water industry in the UK is heavily regulated, with statutory requirements to supply water and wastewater services while meeting very stringent health and environmental quality standards. Water companies use 7,700 gigawatt-hours of energy each year, about 2% of all UK industrial consumption. The sector ranks

Continually reduce emissions associated with pumping and treatment of waste water.

To enhance the quality of wastewater treatment to improve the quality of discharges to rivers and the marine environment.

� Improve quality of wastewater treatment works discharges to ensure compliance with the environmental standards set out in the Freshwater Fish Directive.

� Replace ageing infrastructure as it comes to the end of its life or is not able to meet tighter environmental standards.

125

fourth in terms of energy intensity, behind steel, cement and parts of the chemicals sector. Water industry carbon emissions resulting from energy consumptionhave increased significantly in recent years.


Despite huge improvements we still have environmental water quality problems. There is a need to maintain infrastructure, some of which dates back to Victorian times. We must secure a sustainable water supply and demand balance. This means limiting and even reducing our water consumption, while not ruling out new supply infrastructure. It also means reducing the environmental impacts of abstracting, distributing and treating the water we drink, and the impacts of collecting and treating our wastewater before returning it to the natural environment. It also means reducing the negative impacts of a whole range of human behaviours and activities on our water resources. Some of these actions and investments lead to costs for water companies and bill increases for consumers. Affordability concerns need to be taken into account.

Economic impacts

Climate change presents a significant long term challenge to the water industry. Achieving social, environmental and sustainable management of water resources will have economic implications, both for public water supply as well as for the provision of healthy ecosystems.

Spatial constraints

There appears to be little reported conflict and known spatial constraints within this sector.

Future

The UK Government is taking measures to slow the growth in demand for new waste water infrastructure in England, for example by requiring the use of sustainable drainage systems, but there will still be a need for new waste water infrastructure in the future.

Short term plans

� continue to provide high levels of drinking water quality from our taps; � improve quality of our water environment and the ecology which it supports.

126

Medium/long term plans (by 2030)

To address climate change it is necessary to make reductions in the carbon intensity of water services:

� sustainably manage risks from flooding and coastal erosion, with greater understanding and more effective management of surface water;

� ensure a sustainable use of water resources, and implemented fair, affordable and cost reflective water charges;

� cut greenhouse gas emissions; and � embed continuous adaptation to climate change and other pressures across

the water industry and water users.

127

SECTION 9 AGGREGATES AND DISPOSAL

Key challenges

Objectives

Background

Marine aggregate extraction is the process of taking sand and gravel from the seabed for use as construction aggregate (principally for concrete production) or for providing sand and gravel for land reclamation. Traditionally the industry has been very small in Scotland due to an adequate land supply and lack of suitable and easily accessible resources on the seabed.

Current situation

Two production areas exist in Scottish waters, one of which is in the Firth of Forth for the extraction of up to 6,000,000 cubic metres over 10 years. In 2005, 129,387 tonnes (86,260m3) was removed to supply infill material for the Leith Western Dock Reclamation Project. This is the only extraction to date. A second area exists in the Firth of Tay (East Scotland Coast) and although this region has not been used for several years it could supply 66,000 cubic metres per year.

The Crown Estate Commissioners own the mineral rights to the seabed extending to the edge of the UK continental shelf and issues agreements for non-exclusive sampling and commercial aggregate extraction. The planning, licensing and consenting process is the responsibility of Scottish Government, who through a consultation process determines whether an area can be used for aggregate extraction on the grounds of its potential environmental impact.


The extraction of marine aggregate primarily impacts the seabed, on bottom substrata and associated benthic communities that burrow below the surface of the deposits, sometimes to depths of more than 10cm. Physical disturbance caused by

� To minimise the impact of aggregate extraction on the marine environment and ensure the future sustainability of the physical and biological resource.

� To reduce damage to the marine and coastal environment through better use of suitable and accepted impact assessment methodologies.

� To improve the consistency of impact assessment with regard to marine aggregate extraction, through the consideration of good practice in data collection and collation.

To ensure that possible aggregate deposits are not rendered unexploitable by other developments.

128

dredging activities generally involves either the generation of noise, which can interrupt nesting/breeding activities, or damage to critical habitat.

Future of marine aggregates in Scotland

Although there is currently no Government target for marine aggregate extraction in Scotland, commercially viable deposits of marine sand and gravel are present in Scottish waters. While there is little short term demand, there is the potential for marine aggregates to play a role in the medium to long term future depending on market demands. As marine aggregate deposits tend to be spatially constrained in their distribution, they are perhaps more susceptible or sensitive to sterilisation from other marine development activities on the basis that they can only be worked where they are geologically found.

Short term goals

It is important we protect sites such as Middle Bank in the Forth for any future dredging opportunities.

Medium term goals

Demographic changes are placing increasing pressures on land. Wherever there is a population growth there will be a demand for more housing, workplaces and infrastructure with the potential for increased demand for aggregates.

Long term goals

The construction industry will continue to require an adequate and steady supply of aggregates over the longer term, not only for building sustainable homes but also for coastal protection.

129

Annex A

Food Webs

The food web provides a view of the ecosystem in terms of feeding and energy transfer between the various species and levels of the web. A healthy marine ecosystem is one in which the chemical nutrient cycling processes and photosynthetic primary production outputs, created by the rapid growth of microbes and phytoplankton, work effectively and fuel the transfer of material to larger species at higher levels in the food web through a series of predator: prey interactions. These interactions, in combination with recycling of dead organisms, result in productivity at higher food web levels; so generating harvestable resources such as fish and healthy top predator populations of sea birds and marine mammals.

The photosynthesis and primary production of phytoplankton generate almost half the world’s basic food supply. The processes of growth and reproduction depend on species condition and availability of suitable food while mortality depends on starvation, predation and disease pressures. Thus in an ecosystem food web there is a continuing balance of growth and mortality, creating a dynamic balance between the productivities of all the species in the food web, ultimately all dependent on the primary production at the base. This changes with season and environment and is affected by harvesting and environmental disturbances.

Most species eat a range of food, which may be nutritionally good or less good. Species adapted to feed in different ways, have life cycles timed to ensure their growth seasons coincide with those of their food species in suitable environments. All species are adapted to function best in particular environments, so they perform best in particular regimes of physical factors like temperature, salinity, light or acidity. The greater the species biodiversity (number and relative abundances of species) in an ecosystem the more choices may be available to be eaten and the more diverse and complex the food web may be.

The biodiversity of the ecosystem both affects and is affected by the dynamic balance of productivities that result from transfer of material in the food web. Biodiversity influences the ecosystem’s stability and resilience to change in a variety of ways. Often on the seabed a dominant species or group will define habitat structures; for examples, reef forming species, sea grasses or macroalgae such as kelp, so developing typically diverse communities and ecosystems. High biodiversity however, does not always equate to high productivity or to greater resilience to stress or disturbance. A stressed habitat may have fewer species, i.e. those that can adapt. These species may be highly productive if competition and predation are reduced; also more resilient since the tougher species and simpler habitat may more easily recover from disturbance than a complex food web could. Globally, biodiversity is greatest in warm tropical and sub-tropical areas and the number of species declines to a minimum in cold and strongly seasonal polar seas. Warmer seas have many, usually smaller species with faster growth and reproductive rates, whereas cooler waters are increasingly characterised by fewer, longer lived and larger species, usually with some well adapted dominant kinds. Merging of studies and theories of food webs and biodiversity is now an active area of ecology research, yielding important practical insights.

130

Ecosystems, communities and food webs that support and sustain habitat structures and productivity, are evolved and adapted to optimise their species’ survival and persistence within the constraints of environments and resources available to them. Scottish seas lie in a northern temperate region with a wide range of habitats and distinct seasons of warm summers and cold winters. Also, our coastal seas are strongly influenced by oceanic flows of warmer water from the south and west. Such warming influences encourage greater biodiversity. In recent years, changes in our historically established plankton, benthos and fish communities have been observed. These are a considered to be consequences of climate related changes in ocean water movements and warming in our seas, with a declining influence of the colder sub-Arctic seas north of the UK. Over time such changes will be reflected in ecosystems, habitats and food web properties, such as biodiversity and productivity, which we monitor and measure in our seas.

Survival and productivity of all species are sensitive to changes away from accustomed ranges of environmental conditions or the usual availability of resources. Many species have evolved resting stages or migrations to sit out lean times or to avoid them, so optimising their survival and seasonal productivity. In the plankton community, species abundance is normally dominated by broadly adapted, omnivorous and generalist species. As well, there occur strong seasonal abundances of the larvae of reproducing benthic species or occasional blooms of more narrowly adapted species, which take advantage of windows of opportunity in environmental conditions or resource supply. For a species population, its resilience in the face of change can be described in terms of its niche, i.e. the range of environmental conditions and resources it is adapted to, or that it can adapt to. For a community, its resilience and apparent stability, under stress from environmental or other change, will depend rather on the biodiversity, distributions and adaptive capacities of constituent species, and on the relative strengths of their interdependencies within the food web.

In an ecosystem, keystone or dominant species may respectively be thought of as those that fulfil vital structural roles or as those through which pass major food web energy flows. Sometimes a particular prey species or type may be important to several predators. Small forage fish such as sandeels, for example, are particularly important prey for large fish, birds and sea mammals. Such species can constitute vulnerable or sensitive parts of a food web, and when changes in their state or properties can be related to a pressure or disturbance, they may be considered as indicators of ecosystem health and food web stability.

Between food web levels each predator species exerts a Top Down pressure on its preys’ populations, which may or may not exert control. Conversely, the productivity and the availability of each prey species exert Bottom Up limitations on the potential growth of the predators that depend on them. Always, background variability in environmental factors, such as temperature, salinity, chemical nutrients, light or physical transport and mixing, affects the efficiency and physiological competence of organisms throughout the food web. Since the main consequences of environmental change are effects on the base levels of the food web, these are mostly considered to be Bottom Up pressures on the ecosystem. However, other environmental pressures include constraints on size and availability of suitable habitat. Examples

131

might include, the sea area encompassing an optimal temperature range, suitable migration routes, spawning, nursery or settlement areas or availability of refuges to avoid being eaten. The inevitable influences of diseases and parasites, which depend on resources or hosts, also affect food webs and productivity.

Fish and shellfish harvests are examples of ecosystem services and of top down pressures on the food web. Fisheries are targeted on desired fish species and the fishers and fisheries managers work together, to assess stocks and to set limits and technical measures to achieve a maximum sustainable yield from the naturally fluctuating fish stocks. They also regulate fishing gears and exploited areas to minimise collateral damage to juveniles, non-target species and seabed habitats, including fish spawning grounds. An ecosystem approach to fisheries management recognises these factors as well as socioeconomic requirements and the impacts that fishing mortalities exert on the dynamics of ecosystems, species communities and food webs. The interconnected nature of the marine food web and consequences of fishing on ecosystem dynamics can be illustrated as follows.

If stocks of top predator fish (e.g. large cod, haddock or whiting) are reduced by fishing or a reduction in suitable habitat, then that will affect their prey; i.e. it will increase the survival of smaller fish that they eat. Most of the small fish will be pelagic species such as herring, sprat, sandeel or Norway pout. These stocks may do better since predation pressures on them are reduced and since these are zooplankton feeders, increase in their stocks increases predatory pressure on zooplankton. Alternatively, if stocks of the plankton feeding fish decline or are overfished, then this reduces predator pressures on zooplankton but may result in food scarcities for the big fish, birds or mammals that eat small plankton feeding fish. A reduction of plankton eating fish stocks is also likely to result in a larger proportion of the plankton production falling out to the seabed, which enhances growth of benthic species, and in turn would be reflected in higher catches of say prawns (Nephrops) or crabs. Alternatively, greater prawn survival may be due to the loss of large fish predators which feed on them. Further consequences of these top down pressures could be; high predation on zooplankton may relax the top down control they exert on phytoplankton production, which may then bloom more strongly. Also, a decline in the stock of a small zooplankton eating fish may lead to their being replaced by alternative fish species or even by jellyfish. Examples of both of these effects have been described.

Bottom Up processes that alter the balance of productivity are mainly things that affect productivity at the primary (phytoplankton) or secondary (zooplankton) levels. These organisms are sensitive to changes in their environment such as ocean currents and warming, changes in weather induced mixing and stratification of the sea, so nutrient supply and cycling, acidification, etc., as well as the internal dynamics of the food web among the many species of plankton. This complexity will result in variable food supply to fish though in general it is unlikely that availability of plankton is limiting for fish. However, in particular circumstances this may not always be true. Food requirements change throughout the life cycles of fish and there is strong seasonality in food supply, so there may be times and habitats where food supply limits growth and survival. Problems in timing or spatial mismatches between food availability for fish larvae and the periods of fish spawning and larval growth will become apparent in variable recruitment to fish stocks. There are also

132

vulnerabilities for fish stocks when juveniles settle to live in seabed habitats which may be limited spatially or when juvenile stocks depend on surviving food scarcity, predation and competition through the winter.

Food web responses to pressure are complex, however changes in fishing pressures on particular stocks and the split in fishing effort between various pelagic or demersal species will alter the balance of predation efforts, this will have consequences for fish that are prey, for patterns of plankton production and in impacts on the rest of the food web. Meanwhile the changing climate will affect plankton productivity and the environmental ranges of species of plankton, benthos and fish. There are a multitude of possible sources of change and food webs will respond differently to different pressures and limitations at different times.

Examples of broad scale changes affecting ecosystem food webs, biodiversity and productivity in Scottish and European waters, which have been documented in recent years, include:

Changes in ocean climate and currents, which have caused rising sea temperatures and altered seasonal weather patterns. These affect the timings of species life cycles (phenology); while warming increases physiological rates and demands and affects predator: prey interactions.

Changes in areal distributions and abundances of plankton, fish and benthic species have been noted. In recent decades distributions of northern species are diminishing or retreating north and being replaced by influxes of more diverse, southern temperate species.

In heavily fished regions, changes in fishing pressures, alongside other effects like climate change and alien species introductions have reduced many fish stocks to lower levels than those of a few decades ago and altered habitats and food web patterns of biodiversity and productivity.

Wider ecosystem changes affect local regions differently and these are not unconnected, nor are they smooth over time. Sudden changes over few years have been recorded in recent times and termed Regime Shifts, where several ecosystem food web components may rapidly alter to a new state of relative abundance and productivity.

More locally, the effects of human contamination, litter and additions of excessive chemical nutrients have resulted in increased health risks for marine species and for humans. A particular concern is eutrophication, caused by excess nutrient inputs, which may trigger harmful algal blooms. Also, marine habitats have been disturbed, destroyed or altered by fishing gears, gravel extraction and other intrusive technologies, while increasing human activities in marine transport, aquaculture and energy industries also increase the risks of harm to marine ecosystems and food webs and the services they provide.

Annex B

Glossary and Acronyms

ASFB Association of Salmon Fishery Boards BATNEEC Best Available Technology Not Entailing Excessive Costs BMF British Marine Federation BOE Barrels of Oil Equivalent BPEO Best Practicable Environmental Option CAR Controlled Activities Regulations CCS Carbon Capture and Storage CFP Common Fisheries Policy DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DfT Department for Transport CO2 Carbon Dioxide DSFB District Salmon Fishery Boards EC European Commission EFF European Fisheries Fund EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMS Environmental Management System EPS European Protected Species EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations FAL Fishermen’s Association Limited FTE Full Time Equivalent GDP Gross Domestic Product GES Good Environmental Status GIS Geographical Information System GVA Gross Value Added GW Gigawatt HIE Highlands and Islands Enterprise HLMO High Level Marine Objectives HMPA Historic Marine Protected Area HVDC High Voltage Direct Current ICZM Integrated Coastal Zone Management IFG Inshore Fisheries Group IFFO International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation IMO International Maritime Organisation JNCC Joint Nature Conservation Committee KIMO Kommunenes Internasjonale Miljø Organisasjon LA Local Authority LIDAR Light Detection and Ranging MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships MCA Maritime and Coastguard Agency MHWS Mean High Water Springs MLWM Mean Low Water Mark MLWS Mean Low Water Spring MMO Marine Management Organisation MOD Ministry of Defence

MPA Marine Protected Area MRCC Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres MSFD Marine Strategy Framework Directive MSSML Marine Scotland Science Marine Laboratory MSY Maximum Sustainable Yield MtCO2e Metric Tonne (ton) Carbon Dioxide Equivalent MW MegaWatt NFFO National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations NM Nautical Miles NPF2 National Planning Framework 2 NRIP National Renewables Infrastructure Plan NSA National Scenic Area OSPAR Commission Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North East Atlantic PMF Priority Marine Features RAFTS Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland RBMP River Basin Management Plan RCAHM Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland RYA Royal Yachting Association SA Sustainability Assessment SAC Special Area of Conservation SAMS Scottish Association for Marine Science SAP Species Action Plan SCF Scottish Coastal Forum SDSR Strategic Defence and Security Review SE Link Scottish Environment Link SE Scottish Enterprise SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SEIRU Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporter’s Unit SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency SFC Sea Fisheries Council SFF Scottish Fishermen’s Federation SFI Sea Fisheries Inspectorate, Northern Ireland SFO Several Fisheries Order SFPA Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency SG Scottish Government SIFAG Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group SME Small and Medium-sized Enterprise SMR Scottish Marine Regions SNCI Sites of Nature Conservation Interest SNH Scottish Natural Heritage SoS Secretary of State SPA Special Protection Area SSA Strategic Sea Area SSMEI Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative SSPO Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest SSTF Sustainable Seas Task Force STW Scottish Terrestrial Water

SW South West SWFPA Scottish White Fish Producers Association Limited SXA Scottish Exercise Areas TAC Total Allowable Catch TCE The Crown Estate UKCS UK Continental Shelf UKMMAS United Kingdom Marine Monitoring and Assessment Strategy UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea WAG Welsh Assembly Government WCA Wildlife and Countryside Act WFD Water Framework Directive WT Wildlife Trust WWF World Wildlife Fund

Aggregate - The mixture of minerals commonly used in the construction industry, that may be sourced from the sea bed.

Anthropogenic - Materials found in the natural environment which have come from human activities.

Appropriate Assessment - The assessment that is required to determine the potential effect of a project or plan on a SPA or SAC.

Aquaculture - The farming of freshwater and saltwater organisms such as, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants. It involves cultivating aquatic populations under controlled conditions, and can be contrasted with commercial fishing, which is the harvesting of wild fish.

Area of occupancy - Defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as the area naturally occupied by a taxon (a group of (one or more) organisms).

BATNEEC - Best available techniques not entailing excessive costs.

Bag Limits - A means of limiting exploitation of a stock. Generally used to refer to limits placed on the number of fish that may be retained by non-commercial fishermen on a daily or weekly period.

Baselines - Lines from which the breadth of the Territorial Sea is measured pursuant to the Territorial Sea Act 1987 and determined in accordance with international law (as set out in UNCLOS). British Fishery Limits are also measured from these baselines.

Benthic - A description for animals, plants and habitats associated with seabed. All plants and animals that live in, on or near the sea bed are benthos.

Best environmental practice - The most appropriate combination of environmental control measures and strategies.

Biodiversity – The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they form part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

Biological carrying - The maximum natural biological productivity of a body of water. If cultivated organisms, such as shellfish or other species which take their food from their surroundings, exceed the carrying capacity of this water body, then the biological productivity will be depleted and the natural ecosystem damaged.

Biomass - The total quantity of fish in a stock or stock abundance. Biomass is usually measured as a total tonnage of fish but could be in numbers or other units.

British Fisheries Limits - The marine area within British Fishery Limits is defined by the Fishery Limits Act 1976.

By-catch - The catch of non-target species and undersized fish of the target. By-catch of commercial species may be retained or along with non-commercial catch.

By-law - Legislation introduced at a local level to meet a specified need. Local authorities, Sea Fisheries Committees, ports and harbour authorities, for example, all have the power to introduce and enforce by-laws that can have a bearing on the marine area and its resources.

Carrying capacity - The potential maximum production a species or population can maintain in relation to available food resources within an area.

Climate regulation - Maintaining a suitable climate to allow the growth and development of all living resources.

Closed area - An area within which fishing by one or more methods of fishing, or fishing for one or more species of fish, is prohibited. Such areas may be permanently closed or be subject to closures overtime.

Closed Season - A period during which fishing for a particular species, often in a closed area, is prohibited.

Codes of practice - Voluntary codes designed to standardise and improve the operation of aquaculture facilities.

Commercial Fishing – The harvesting of wild fish.

Common Fisheries Policy - Provides the framework for the management of the EU fisheries and elements of the Aquaculture sector, including all marine fisheries within 200 nautical miles of Member States’ baselines.

Community - The grouping of animals and plants that are found living together in a particular place, habitat or environment.

Continental shelf - The area of seabed extending from the shoreline to a depth of about 200 metres or where the slope increases sharply to abyssal depths. In the UK it is defined by the Continental Shelf Act 1964 and generally extends from the edge of the territorial sea to 200 nautical miles from the prescribed baseline in most cases.

Crown Dependencies - Crown dependencies are possessions of the British Crown, as opposed to overseas territories or colonies. They include the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. None forms a part of the United Kingdom, being separated jurisdictions, nor do they form part of the European Union, instead having associate member status.

Crown Estate Commissioners - Public body responsible for managing certain Crown property, rights and interests (the marine element including Scotland's territorial seabed out to 12 nautical miles, leasing rights for renewable energy and carbon storage out to 200 nautical miles, and parts of the foreshore) under the

Crown Estate Act 1961. The Crown Estate Commissioners use the corporate brand "The Crown Estate" in carrying out their activities.

Crown Exemption - The usual constitutional position is that the Crown is exempt from all statutory provision, unless they state to the contrary. For this purpose the Crown includes the Queen, the Prince of Wales in right of the Duchy of Cornwall, the Crown Estate Commissioners and Government Departments. Under the Parliamentary Corporate Act 1992, Parliament too is a Crown body for the purposes of some legislation.

Depleted – Where a fish stock or stock assemblage is very low level compared to historical levels, with dramatically reduced spawning biomass and reproductive capacity.

Devolved administration - A reference to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies, and the ministers and administrations working alongside them as the devolved administrations.

Discards - Those components of a fish stock thrown back after capture because they are below the minimum landing size or because quotas have been exhausted for that species. Most of the discards will not survive.

Dredging - The removal of material from the sea bed, for a variety of purposes including the clearing of channels for navigation or the extraction of minerals.

EC Birds Directive – EC Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds, as amended.

EC Habitats Directive – EC Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna, as amended.

Ecosystem - A community of organisms interacting with one another and with the chemical environments and physical factors making up their environment, It is a discrete unit comprising both living and non-living parts; it can range in size from something as small and ephemeral as an intertidal pool to something larger such as the North Sea or the Earth’s oceans.

Ecosystem approach - Identifying and protecting critical processes in the ecosystem how they work together.

Ecosystem functioning - How plants, animals, micro-organisms and physical and chemical environment that make up the ecosystem work together.

Enhance Oil Recovery - is a generic term for techniques for increasing the amount of crude oil that can be extracted from an oil field.

Environmental footprint - The area/volume of the environment impacted by an aquaculture unit.

Eutrophication - The enrichment of water by nutrients, especially compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus, causing an accelerated growth of algae and higher forms of plant life. This in turn can produce an undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms and the quality of the water concerned.

Existence value - The value gained from the knowledge that there will be continued existence of habitats and wildlife, as they have significant value and contribute to global biodiversity.

Fixed penalty notice - A fixed financial penalty issued to a person committing an offence. If accepted, no criminal prosecution follows.

Fleet - A group of vessels sharing similar characteristics in terms of technical features and/or major activity.

Foreshore - In Scotland, the area of land between the mean high and low water marks of ordinary spring tides.

Geomorphology - The study of the evolution and configuration of landforms.

Good governance - Effective participative systems of governance in all levels of society which engage people’s creativity, energy and diversity.

Habitat - Place where an organism lives, as characterised by the physiographic features and the physical and chemical environment such as salinity and wave exposure.

Harmful algal blooms - Concentrations of phytoplankton producing toxins which can affect human health, oxygen levels in water and which can kill or harm fish and other vertebrate and invertebrates.

Inshore waters - Can be used to refer to waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast. It is also used more generally to refer to areas of sea close to the coast.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management - A system designed to establish sustainable levels of economic and social activity in our costal areas while protecting the environment.

Internal waters - UK marine waters on the landward side of baseline from which the extent of the territorial sea is measured.

Invasive species - An alien species which becomes established in natural or semi-ecosystems or habitats and is an agent of change, thereby threatening native biological diversity.

Mariculture - Encompasses aquaculture taking place in slightly salty and sea water environments as opposed to freshwater.

Marine Protected Areas - MPA is used specifically to refer to the provisions in the Marine (Scotland) Act and UK Marine and Coastal Access Act. It may also used in

the generic sense as ‘marine protected areas’ to refer to any area that contributes to the MPA network in Scotland’s seas.

Marine Spatial Planning - Proposed system for strategically managing activities in the marine area.

Maximum Sustainable Yield – The highest theoretical yield that can be continuously taken from a stock under existing environmental conditions without significantly affecting recruitment.

Mean High Water Springs – The highest level to which spring tides reach on average over a period.

Mean Low Water Springs – The lowest level to which spring tides retreat on average over a period.

Natura Sites – EU wide network of nature conservation sites (SACs and SPAs) established under the EC Habitats and Birds Directives.

Nautical Miles (NM) – The unit of length used in marine navigation. One nautical mile (NM) is slightly longer than a statute mile, equal to 1.15 statute miles and 1.85 kilometers.

NGO - Non-governmental organisation.

Non-native - A species that does not originate in local waters and which has been introduced from other parts of the world by humans, either deliberately or accidentally.

Overexploited - The status of a fish stock or stock assemblage exploited beyond the limit believed to be sustainable in the long term and beyond which there is an undesirable high risk of stock depletion and collapse.

Priority Marine Features - a collective term for those features which are considered to be of conservation importance in Scotland’s seas across Marine Scotland’s three-pillar approach to marine nature conservation strategy i.e. measures i.e. site species measures, site measures and wider seas policies.

Recruitment - The amount of fish added to the exploitable stock each year due to growth and/or migration into the fishing area. For example, the number of fish that grow to become vulnerable to the fishing gear in one year would be the recruitment to the fishable stock that year. This term is mostly used to refer to the number of fish from a year class reaching a certain age.

River basin - Area of land from which all surface water flows through a sequence of streams, rivers and, possibly, freshwater lochs into the sea at a single river mouth, estuary or delta.

SAC – Special Areas of Conservation under the EC Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Scotland’s Seas– a term used in this document to describe the area covered by Scottish territorial waters and the Scottish offshore region. See also references to territorial waters and Scottish offshore region.

Scottish offshore region – term used generally to refer to waters more than 12NM from baselines (i.e. the area stretching from 12NM out to limits of UK jurisdiction).

Scottish territorial waters – Defined under the Territorial Sea Act 1987 as the waters stretching from baseline out to a maximum of 12NM, or the median line between adjacent countries.

Shellfish - Includes both molluscs , such as clams, and crustaceans, such as lobsters.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – Sites notified by Scottish Natural Heritage under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 in recognition of the special interest of their natural features.

SPA – Special Protection Areas under EC Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Birds.

Stock - A part of a fish population usually with a particular migration pattern, or specific spawning grounds and subject to a distinct fishery.

Strategic Environmental Assessment – An assessment of the environmental impacts of any plan, programme or strategy of any public body in Scotland as required by the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 which transposes the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effect of certain plans and programme on the environment).

Sustainable development - Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

UK internal waters - Marine waters on the landward side of the baseline from which the width of the territorial sea is measured.

UK territorial sea - is the sea adjacent to the UK identified under the Territorial Sea Act 1987 as extending to a maximum of 12 nautical miles from the prescribed baselines or (if less) the median line between adjacent nautical states.

Water Framework Directive - This substantial EU Directive requires that all inland and coastal water bodies must reach at least “good ecological status” by 2015. It will do this by establishing a river basin district structure within which demanding environmental objectives will be set, including ecological targets for surface waters. The Directive therefore sets a framework which should provide substantial benefits for the long term sustainable management of water.

Wild land or wilderness - Uninhabited and often relatively inaccessible countryside where the influence of human activity on the character and quality of the environment has been minimal.

How to respond

This paper is out for public consultation until 7 June 2011. It is available electronically on the Scottish Government’s website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/Current and in hard copy from:

Marine Planning Marine Scotland Area 1-A South Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ

Email : [email protected] Tel : 0131 244 7479

Comments on the paper are invited from the public and all interested stakeholder organisations. Responses in writing should be sent to the above address or emailed to [email protected] by 7 June 2011.

Handling your response

We need to know how you wish your response to be handled and whether you are happy for your response to be made public. Please complete and return the Respondent Information Form included with this consultation paper as this will ensure that we treat your response appropriately. If you ask for your response not to be published we will regard it as confidential, and we will treat it accordingly.

All respondents should be aware that the Scottish Government is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and would therefore have to consider any request made to it under the Act for information relating to responses made to this consultation exercise.

Publishing responses

Where respondents have given permission for their response to be made public, these will be made available to the public in the Scottish Government Library and on the SEConsult web pages within 6 weeks of the close of the consultation time period.

Where agreement has been given, we will check all responses for any potentially defamatory material before logging them in the library or placing on the website. You can make arrangements to view responses by contacting the Scottish Government Library on 0131 244 4556. Responses can be copied and sent to you, but a charge may be made for this service.

If you have any comments about how this consultation has been conducted, please send them to us at the address above.

National Marine Plan Pre-Consultation Draft

RESPONDENT INFORMATION FORM Please Note this form must be returned with your response to ensure that we handle your response

appropriately

1. Name/Organisation Organisation Name

Title Mr Ms Mrs Miss Dr Please tick as appropriate

Surname

Forename

2. Postal Address

Postcode Phone Email

3. Permissions - I am responding as…

Individual / Group/OrganisationPlease tick as appropriate

(a) Do you agree to your response being made available to the public (in Scottish

Government library and/or on the Scottish Government web site)?

Please tick as appropriate Yes No

(c) The name and address of your organisation will be made available to the public (in the

Scottish Government library and/or on the Scottish Government web site).

(b) Where confidentiality is not requested, we will make your responses available to the public

on the following basis

Are you content for your response to be made available?

Please tick ONE of the following boxes Please tick as appropriate Yes No

Yes, make my response, name and address all available

orYes, make my response available, but not my name and address

orYes, make my response and name

available, but not my address

(d) We will share your response internally with other Scottish Government policy teams who may be addressing the issues you discuss. They may wish to contact you again in the future, but we require your permission to do so.

Are you content for Scottish Government to contact you again in relation to this consultation exercise?

Please tick as appropriate Yes No

CONSULTATION QUESTIONS

Please identify the main area of interest you identify with :

Nature Conservation

Fisheries

Industry/Transport

Energy

Aquaculture

Recreation/tourism

Academic/scientific

Local authority

Community group

Public sector/Regulatory body

Local Coastal Partnership

Other (Please state)

Q1. Do you have any comments on Chapters 1 - 6?

Q2. Do you have any comments on Chapter 7 - National Marine Plan – Key Objectives?

Q3. Do you have any comments on Chapter 8 - Climate Change Objectives?

Q4. Do you have any comments on Chapter 9 - Scottish Government approach to development in the Marine Area?

Q5. Do you have any comments on Chapter 10 - Interactions Matrix?

Q6. Do you have any comments on Section 1 FOOD - Introduction?

Q7. Do you have any comments on Section 1.1 FOOD – Fisheries?

Q8. Do you have any comments on Section 1.2 FOOD – Wild salmon & Freshwater Fisheries?

Q9. Do you have any comments on Section 1.3 FOOD – Aquaculture?

Q10. Do you have any comments on Section 2 ENERGY - Introduction?

Q11. Do you have any comments on Section 2.1 ENERGY – Oil & Gas?

Q12. Do you have any comments on Section 2.2 ENERGY – Carbon Capture & Storage?

Q13. Do you have any comments on Section 2.3 ENERGY – Renewables?

Q14. Do you have any comments on Section 3 TOURISM & RECREATION?

Q15. Do you have any comments on Section 4 MARINE TRANSPORT?

Q16. Do you have any comments on Section 5 TELECOMS & CABLES?

Q17. Do you have any comments on Section 6 MILITARY ACTIVITIES?

Q18. Do you have any comments on Section 7 MARINE ENVIRONMENT?

Q19. Do you have any comments on Section 8.1 COASTAL/WATER – Coastal Protection & Flood Defence?

Q20. Do you have any comments on Section 8.2 COASTAL/WATER – Water Abstraction?

Q21. Do you have any comments on Section 8.3 COASTAL/WATER – Waste Water?

Q22. Do you have any comments on Section 9 AGGREGATES & DISPOSAL?

Q23. Do you believe that the creation of a Scottish National Marine Plan discriminates disproportionately between persons defined by age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, race and religion and belief?

Yes No

Q24. If you answered yes to question 23 in what way do you believe that the creation of a Scottish National Marine Plan is discriminatory?

© Crown copyright 2011

ISBN: 978-1-78045-084-1

This document is also available on the Scottish Government website:www.scotland.gov.uk

APS Group Scotland

w w w . s c o t l a n d . g o v . u k

DPPAS11478 (03/11)

Documents

Scotland's National Marine Plan: Pre-Consultation Draft