UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy: island communities impact assessment

3. Step Three – Consultation

The Scottish Government, on behalf of the other UK administrations undertook a consultation in relation to the UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy between 22 March 2021 and 14 June 2021. The consultation was hosted on the Scottish Government’s consultation hub, Citizen Space, with additional responses gathered via post and email. The consultation asked if the respondent supported the implementation of the Strategy, agreed with the evidence presented, and had any comments regarding vulnerability assessments, potential actions, and the accessibility of the document information. An accompanying consultation document was provided to respondents.

A total of 35 responses were received, with 16 from organisations, and 19 from individuals.

One theme that emerged from responses to the consultation was concern around the species that were not included in the Strategy. In response to this, after the consultation, five additional species and a species group were identified and added to the Strategy. Additionally, a qualitative summary of the main pressures and threats acting on all species was undertaken, including information on the five new species.

Industry stakeholders also provided consultation feedback. Two members of the renewables sector issued a joint response strongly supporting the Strategy whilst acknowledging that offshore wind expansion will coincide with areas protecting dolphin and porpoise, with the wish to expand knowledge and the evidence base on acoustic science. Captured in the high-level recommendations of the Strategy is the need to manage underwater noise at levels that do not adversely affect cetacean populations.

The future of the Strategy vision will be brought about by communication and knowledge exchange between governments, research institutes, academia, industry and the general public. A web page for the Strategy will be created, allowing for documents to be shared and information and updates to be in the public domain. The vision will also be promoted with a dedicated social media campaign, by sharing Strategy recommendations within existing forums and networks, and by engaging with and gathering feedback from key stakeholders.

3.1 What questions will you ask when considering how to address island realities?

The Strategy does not introduce any new policies. Instead, it considers vulnerabilities and pressures facing cetaceans within UK waters and provides a framework for conservation action. At this stage, it would not be relevant to seek and address island specific realities as no policies are being implemented. When policies are taken forward for implementation, these will be assessed individually regarding the impact they may or may not have on islands communities in Scotland.