Regulation of fish and shellfish farm deposits: island communities impact assessment screening

Step four – assessment

Does your assessment identify any unique impacts on island communities?

There are no anticipated unique impacts on island communities arising from the proposed Order.

Does your assessment identify any potential barriers or wider impacts?

Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd disagreed with the assertion that the change in responsibility from MD-LOT to SEPA was neutral stating “In practice communities often rely on the visibility of a licensing process to raise local navigation, fisheries and nature concerns. If exemptions are widened too far this visibility will be reduced.”

Are there mitigations already in place for these impacts raised?

The planning application stage is deemed the most appropriate point in the consenting system for anyone to voice their concerns as there is sufficient opportunity to engage through the planning process, which encompasses these considerations.

Through the work of the Consenting Task Group pre-application pilots, opportunities for early engagement between developers, fisheries groups and other local interests are being enhanced.

Is a full Island Communities Impact Assessment required?

You should now determine whether, in your opinion, your policy, strategy or service is likely to have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities). To form your opinion, the following questions should be considered:

1. Are there mitigations in place for the impacts identified and noted above from stakeholders and community consultations?

Yes – Existing processes as part of planning and SEPA licence applications provide opportunity for island communities to comment on proposed aquaculture development. These processes will apply to all Scottish waters between 0-12 nautical miles

2. Does the evidence show different circumstances or different expectations or needs, or different experiences or outcomes (such as levels of satisfaction, or different rates of participation)?

The implementation of the SSI’s would not amount to disadvantage for an Island community compared to the mainland as there is sufficient opportunity to engage in the aquaculture consenting process through the planning application, which is the same across all areas of Scotland.

3. Are these different effects likely?

No

4. Are these effects significantly different?

No

5. Could the effect amount to a disadvantage for an island community compared to the mainland or between island groups?

No

A full Islands Community Impact Assessment is Not required

In preparing the ICIA, I have formed an opinion that our policy, strategy or service is NOT likely to have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities). The reason for this is detailed below.

Reason for not completing a full Islands Communities Impact Assessment:

The implementation of the SSI’s would not amount to disadvantage for an Island community compared to the mainland as there is sufficient opportunity to engage in the aquaculture consenting process through the planning application, which is the same across all areas of Scotland.

Existing processes as part of planning and SEPA licence applications provide opportunity for island communities to comment on proposed aquaculture development. These processes will apply to all Scottish waters between 0-12 nautical miles.

Screening ICIA completed by (name) – Joe Triscott

Position – Aquaculture Policy Manager

Signature and date - J Triscott – 24/12/2025

ICIA authorised by – Malcolm Pentland

Position – Deputy Director, Marine Economy and Communities