Environment minister, Roseanna Cunningham, today (31 march) launched a public consultation on a new innovative approach to the management of the Firth of Clyde.
Environment minister, Roseanna Cunningham, today (31 march) launched a public consultation on a new innovative approach to the management of the Firth of Clyde.
Three years in the making, the draft marine spatial plan tackles issues such as the regulation, management and protection of the marine environment of the Firth. It considers competing demands for access to marine resources and space from interests as diverse as recreational use, fishing, wildlife conservation, renewable energy and transport across an area that stretches from Glasgow, down the Ayrshire coast to Loch Ryan, across to Arran and the Mull of Kintyre and back up to the heads of Loch Fyne and Loch Long. And it proposes ways in which these can be managed more sustainably for future generations.
Roseanna Cunningham said: 'The Scottish government is determined to make marine planning and management more efficient, inclusive and accessible - both now and for future generations.
'I very much welcome this draft plan, a first for the Clyde which will help inform the future development of marine planning in Scotland, and I congratulate everyone involved in its preparation.
'I would now urge anyone, whether an individual or representative of industry or community, who has an interest in the future of the Firth of Clyde, to read the draft plan and put forward any suggestions for improvement."
The Plan has been developed by a Clyde pilot steering group of the Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative (SSMEI). It is the culmination of three years work in partnership with the stakeholders and regulators across the Firth.
Isabel Glasgow, chair of the steering group, said: 'The Firth of Clyde is dear to the hearts of so many, both here in Scotland and across the world. This plan aims to help look after it for the sake of all who use or enjoy it. We are anticipating further input from industry, marine users and agencies. But we'd also very much welcome views from the wider public.' Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is one of the SSMEI partners. Its operations director, Roddy Fairley, added: "The Firth of Clyde is a huge social, economic and environmental resource for Scotland.
It is therefore absolutely crucial that an efficient and co-ordinated approach is taken, in order to secure this resource. That is what this plan sets out to achieve.'
Copies of the draft Firth of Clyde marine spatial plan can be downloaded from www.clydeforum.org/ssmei. The consultation will last until Friday, June 26. Comments received will be used to help finalise the plan ahead of its publication later in the year.
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