Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan: strategic environmental assessment post-adoption statement

4 The Findings of the SEA

4.1.1 In the longer term, continuing pressures from development of marine industry and other human activities are likely to be the key factors in driving negative changes from the current environmental baseline. This includes effects from fishing practices, coastal development and other activities in the marine environment (recreation, anchoring, aquaculture, commercial shipping, dredging etc.).

4.1.2 In generic terms, the adoption of the Plan could result in overall positive effects on the overarching topic Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna (including the topics Soil, Water, and Climatic Factors), and Population and Human Health. The Plan could also contribute to the achievement of the SEA objectives due to the facilitation of active restoration projects. This will allow for ecosystem recovery and biodiversity enhancement, as well as the potential for improved physical, mental health and wellbeing benefits for Scottish communities.

4.1.3 Restoration projects have been, and are currently being, undertaken in the absence of the Plan, contributing to biodiversity enhancement and recovery in Scotland. However, implementation of actions included within the five themes of the Plan will:

• Achieve a better understanding of where active restoration can best take place, and how to prioritise species and habitats;
• Maximise ecological benefits and social and economic opportunities from active restoration; and
• Support community-led restoration and enable investment in restoration efforts.

4.1.4 As such, the Plan will seek to facilitate and accelerate restoration beyond current efforts and aid in Scotland’s ambition to halt and reverse biodiversity decline and become Nature Positive by 2030.

4.1.5 The Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna (including the topics Soil and Water) objectives are met through the (re)introduction and expansion of species. These are key to accelerating ecosystem restoration and regeneration, enhancing marine and coastal areas, and improving and maintaining water and air quality.

4.1.6 The restoration of blue carbon habitats (such as seagrass, saltmarsh and kelp beds) could contribute to the achievement of the Climatic Factors SEA objective.

4.1.7 The Population and Human Health objective is met as the Plan has the potential to improve and create physical health, mental health and wellbeing benefits for coastal Scottish communities, and for Scotland as a whole.

4.1.8 The Plan has been assessed to not significantly impact Cultural Heritage features, Landscape or Seascape. Effects on these topics have been assessed as neutral.

4.1.9 Overall, there are no anticipated significant negative environmental effects from the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan. Potential negative effects related to accidental introduction of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS), displacement of activities, and modifications to material assets through its implementation are likely to be less than the positive environmental effects realised through an increase in active restoration projects. This assessment recognises there is limited potential for displacement effects and suitable biosecurity measures can be put in place to manage the potential risk of the accidental introduction and spread of INNS. It is noted that should negative impacts be identified for Material Assets, such impacts would be considered and managed through relevant consenting frameworks, (e.g., local planning permission or marine licensing).

4.1.10 In line with the 2004 Regulations, consideration has also been given to the following reasonable alternatives:

• “Do nothing”, i.e. the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan is not introduced; and
• Pursuing regulatory reform.

4.1.11 Under the “do nothing” scenario, positive environmental effects will still be realised but on a smaller, and less ambitious scale.

4.1.12 Whilst not considered within this iteration of the Plan, regulatory reform may be considered in future editions and has therefore been included as a reasonable alternative. With regulatory reform, positive environmental and social effects may be greater than with the current regulatory framework should processes become more accessible for stakeholders. However, this may not be necessary should the Plan adequately enable users to interpret and navigate existing policies and processes.

4.1.13 In terms of cumulative effects of the Plan as a whole, the positive environmental effects would be additive should all five themes of the Plan be implemented. Should themes be excluded from the Plan, restoration may still continue but it could be less effective. This is because each theme of the Plan, designed to be used in combination, seeks to improve different aspects of the restoration landscape, and together provide a mutually reinforcing package of objectives.

4.1.14 When considering cumulative effects with other plans, programmes, and strategies, there could be cumulative positive effects resulting in greater restoration opportunities as well as cumulative negative effects from potential displacement of activities such as fishing activity, should restoration require pressure management (e.g., from fisheries management measures being considered for inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Priority Marine Features (PMFs), currently under assessment).

4.1.15 In summary, the positive environmental effects of enhanced ecosystem restoration and regeneration with accompanied wellbeing benefits resulting from the Plan are anticipated to be greater than the potential negative effects related to the potential accidental introduction of INNS, displacement of activities, and modifications to material assets through its implementation.