Scapa Flow Proposed Historic Marine Protected Area (MPA) Partial Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA)

2. Step Two – Gather your data and identify your stakeholders:

2.1 What data is available about the current situation in the islands?

This partial ICIA has been completed with reference to the BRIA for these proposals which was consulted on in 2019. The assessments in the BRIA used socio-economic data published through National Marine Planning interactive (NMPi), information compiled through the engagement programme with Orkney stakeholders and through the initial HES led public consultation.

Additional data for this partial ICIA has been gathered from the Scottish Government led consultation in 2019 and from further engagement with stakeholders over the course of 2024.

2.2 Do you need to consult?

See section 3 for more information on consultation and engagement.

2.3 How does any existing data differ between islands?

The data used does not differ between islands.

2.4 Are there any existing design features or mitigations in place?

In their response to the initial HES led consultation Orkney Islands Council noted that the proposed boundaries of the Scapa Flow Historic MPA overlapped slightly with the Churchill Barriers. To mitigate any potential issues and alleviate the Councils concerns the boundaries of the proposed Historic MPA were amended to be much more tightly drawn around the blockship historic assets and exclude any part of the barriers.