A consultation is being launched on a marine plan that will be used to guide development activities in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters, Scotland.
The Marine Spatial Plan has been developed by a working group that includes Marine Scotland, Orkney Islands Council and Highland Council.
It is an important stepping stone towards the introduction of regional marine plans around the entire coast of Scotland, according to Orkney Islands Council.
The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters were chosen to pilot the development of a Marine Spatial Plan to support the sustainable management of the area’s seas.
Marine Spatial Plan aims to balance the needs of local communities and marine economic activities whilst protecting the environment on which they depend.
The economic activities include the renewables industry, commercial fishing, tourism, recreation, aquaculture, shipping and oil and gas.
The working group has invited members of the public and other interested parties to provide their views on the Plan.
The consultation period runs from June 15 until September 6 and a series of public consultation events have been organised in Orkney, Caithness and Sutherland.
James Stockan , Chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, said: “The first Marine Spatial Plan to be prepared for Orkney and the Pentland Firth is a major step towards supporting sustainable economic growth whilst protecting our outstanding marine environment.
“The marine area is a very important part of Orkney’s culture and heritage, and the Marine Spatial Plan will be a vital tool to safeguard the well-being and quality of life in local communities.”
To take part in the consultation the public has been invited to visit the Scottish Government consultation website that will be available from June 15.
Image: EMEC/Illustration