National Marine Plan 2 - planning position statement: consultation analysis

Accessibility and wellbeing

Question nine looked at the proposals under the Accessibility and wellbeing section:

Question 9: What are your views on the policy ideas proposed under the Accessibility and Wellbeing section?

This question had a response rate of 80%.

Overview

In general, there was recognition that inclusive access to the marine and coastal environment is important, as part of our connection to the sea, for health benefits and to help build ocean literacy throughout communities.

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 respondents generally supported “meaningful engagement with communities hosting fish farm developments”, and exploration of shared opportunities to ensure access was not impeded.

Respondents agreed with goals and outcomes linking to those within the ‘National Plan for Scotland’s Islands’, further highlighting economic and social factors that are essential for long-term population sustainability.

Fishing sector

Fisheries respondents mostly supported the “principles of accessibility and wellbeing” but felt policy ideas needed to further consider “socio-economic wellbeing of fishing communities”.

However, clarity on the definition of ‘access’ was also thought to be required to reduce competition for resources.

Environmental groups

Respondents from ENGOs were supportive of proposals recognising the “value of inclusive participation” to help coastal communities be actively involved in shaping the future of Scottish seas.

Renewables sector

Some developers sought clarity on how policy ideas would be considered or prioritised, highlighting that the benefits of developments may sometimes outweigh potential impacts from developments.

Public sector (including Marine Planning Partnerships)

Local authorities supported proposals and encouraged NMP2 to look more towards regional planners and partnerships to identify “areas of importance for recreation and tourism” and “opportunities for coastal access”. This view was also supported by government agencies who highlighted the key role that regional planners could play in considering “community needs, wellbeing and local priorities”.

Notable additions

Clarity

Several respondents asked for clarity on the terms ‘access’ and ‘wellbeing’, and how ‘enabling access’ should be considered to ensure safety and prevent impacts on nature.

Consensus

Across all sectors and interests, there was a consensus of support for the proposals, and acknowledgement of the importance of inclusive access to our marine and coastal environment.

However, for decision-making purposes, it was also clear that further clarity with regards to some definitions would be helpful.