National Marine Plan 2 - planning position statement: consultation analysis

Cross cutting themes

While the PPS did not ask any specific questions on marine spatial planning or regional marine planning, many of the responses did express views and expectations on these topics.

Thoughts on both marine spatial planning and regional marine planning were included by respondents under a variety of different questions. As such, it is appropriate to try and provide additional analysis relating to the feedback provided.

Marine spatial planning

Overview

Spatial planning was mentioned frequently throughout the responses as a tool that the NMP2 should seek to utilise to help achieve its objectives and reduce conflict for space in the marine area.

However, there were a variety of differing views on the application and extent of a spatial approach.

Additionally, a few sectors in particular presented concerns around the impact to their interests specifically if a spatial planning approach was adopted.

Sector themes

Themes and general consensus from across the identified stakeholder groupings have been collated within this analysis, and suggest the following general sentiments:

Aquaculture sector

Aquaculture representatives raised concerns that spatial planning risks creating unintended barriers to sustainable development. They suggested policies should align with sectors that lack dedicated sectoral plans and ensure that spatial restrictions are proportionate across all industries.

They were clear that the exclusion of specific sectors should not be a default approach to managing environmental concerns.

Fishing sector

Fisheries representatives asked for protection of fisheries in spatial planning decisions and raised concerns with zonal planning of fisheries in a rapidly changing climate, where there is the potential for changes in species distribution.

Some fishers stated that any spatial planning would need careful consideration to identify areas for fishing, which is based on robust data, future-proofed and recognises both ‘core’ and ‘peripheral’ fishing areas.

In slight contrast to those concerns, representatives from creel fisheries strongly refuted the statement in the PPS that “zonal planning for fisheries in NMP2 is not currently appropriate”.

Some sea fisheries and aquaculture respondents expressed concerns that spatial plans could result in restriction of activity or constrain development opportunities.

Renewables sector

There was a general support from this sector for exploring opportunity mapping and giving further consideration to spatial planning.

Environmental groups

ENGOs suggested spatial planning in support of nature positive, restoration and management measures to prevent further loss and promote recovery, protect and restore biodiversity. Several ENGOs felt spatial planning for fisheries is crucial for delivery of ecosystem-based management, meeting Good Environmental Status and protection of blue carbon.

Some ENGOs suggested that spatial planning of fisheries could help resolve gear conflict, reduce marine litter, resolve spatial squeeze and support recovery of fish stocks. Furthermore, some ENGOs expressed the opinion that the lack of zoning for fisheries within NMP2 would not be consistent with Marine Spatial Planning Directive or UK Marine Policy Statement and the lack of evidence to undertake spatial planning of fisheries fails the precautionary principle.

Public sector (including Marine Planning Partnerships)

Government agencies and Marine Planning Partnerships supported opportunity mapping, further consideration of spatial planning and advocated that the NMP2 should provide a clear framework for spatial planning through sectoral and regional marine planning.

In addition, government agencies and Marine Planning Partnerships requested that spatial planning should be evidence-based and reflect local priorities.

Other

Community groups echoes the support stated by public sector bodies, and also asked for spatial management of fisheries.

Consensus

While there is not a consensus in the responses with regards to the positives or negatives of a fully spatial marine plan, there is frequent discussions of the potential for it to resolve conflict for marine space and help inform decision makers.

It appears clear that the majority of respondents would welcome, at the minimum, further consideration of a spatial planning approach or elements of spatial planning within NMP2.

Regional Marine Planning

Overview

The main area of feedback from respondents was for NMP2 to re-set the commitment to, or add additional guidance for, regional planning in the Scotland seas.

Comments included ensuring regional planning was delivered and supported, while there were calls for relevant guidance to be produced to ensure implementation was successful.

Throughout the feedback it was noted that clarification of the hierarchy between the national and regional marine plans would be required to ensure no overlap or confusion.

Additional views were noted that, if done correctly, regional marine planning could provide an effective, and inclusive approach to marine planning.

There was also support for regional planning to have more of a role in opportunity mapping for restoration, enhancement, or nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation, which could help to inform implementation at the local/regional level.

Sector themes

The views expressed on regional marine planning were similar across all sectors, with the analysis showing little need or value to differentiating views based on sector groupings.

Consensus

It is clear that respondents view NMP2 as an opportunity for the Scottish Government to re-set the direction of travel for regional planning.

The role of regional marine plans is seen as another tool to empower both decision makers and stakeholders to take the appropriate actions to collaborate and co-exist within the marine space, while protecting and enhancing our marine environment in alignment with wider climate and nature objectives.