Scotland’s first ever National Marine Plan – which sets out a single statutory planning framework for all marine activity in Scottish waters – has been published by the government.
This provides policies for the sustainable management of a wide range of marine industries, including offshore wind and marine renewable energy.
It also includes sectoral plans for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy in Scottish waters and removes the options for offshore wind development in the Solway Firth.
A spokesman for Scottish Renewables welcomed the National Marine Plan and the plans for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy and “its commitment to building a globally competitive Scottish offshore wind and marine renewables industry.”
The framework covers all of Scotland’s seas out to 200 nautical miles and applies to existing and emerging activities as well as devolved and reserved functions. The plan will be reported on within three years of adoption.
The National Marine Plan: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/seamanagement/national
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