Scottish Marine Recovery Fund: consultation

4. Role and governance of the Scottish MRF Operator

Subject to the necessary regulations being made by the UK Parliament and the agreement of the Secretary of State to delegate required functions, the Scottish MRF Operator will be responsible for the management and operation of the Scottish MRF. We are still exploring options on who should be the Scottish MRF Operator. Scottish Ministers, regardless of whether they are the Scottish MRF Operator, would also have certain responsibilities.

The Scottish MRF Operator would be responsible for delivering and monitoring the compensatory measures approved for use by the Scottish MRF. An initial set of potential measures to be funded through the Scottish MRF is currently being considered.

Scottish Ministers will have overall accountability for the performance of, and use of public funds by, the Scottish MRF in line with statutory duties and the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM).

Scottish Ministers will continue to have multiple responsibilities as lead planning and consenting authority for offshore wind projects located within the Scottish inshore (0-12 nautical miles (nm)) and offshore (beyond 12nm) regions. As the competent authority, Scottish Ministers would retain overarching responsibility for determining the extent to which a payment into the Scottish MRF, either wholly or in part, discharges a compensation condition. It is intended that Scottish Ministers would also be responsible for authorising compensatory measures for use by the Scottish MRF.

The compensatory measures funded through the Scottish MRF will be developed using relevant and appropriate advice, to ensure they deliver the required environmental benefit. We are currently considering the establishment of a technical advisory group which could provide advice and support on the selection and implementation of strategic compensation for offshore wind in Scotland. This is addressed in our consultation on strategic compensation policy.