The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters area has been identified as one with significant renewable energy resources, as well as being of exceptional environmental quality. It is also an important resource to both national and local economies.
There is a need to examine how future marine energy developments can be taken forward in this area in a manner that avoids conflicts with other users of the seas and which ensures that the marine environment is protected. This will be achieved by the preparation and implementation of regional marine plans.
However, the process of developing regional marine plans is still in its early stages and marine spatial planning at a regional level is being piloted in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters.
To ensure that progress is made while the marine planning process is concluded, a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) Framework has been created, which sets out a process for the development of future plans. This work, which will have three stages, is being undertaken by a working group consisting of representatives from Marine Scotland, Orkney Islands Council and Highland Council.
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Press release; Image: Scottish Government