Islanders’ Know Their Marine Environment

The Council’s Marine Planning team has completed the first phase of island visits to discuss marine planning in Orkney. 

Between mid April and early May 2022, the team visited Stronsay, Hoy, Sanday and Westray, holding two public sessions on each island. The team visited schools to help pupils learn about marine issues and to hear the views of young people. These sessions demonstrated just how much the children know about their islands and their extensive marine life and maritime activities.  70 children and around 25 adults participated in lively discussions, from how many eyes a scallop has (200!), to issues on marine litter and fishing.

The Council are in the early stages of preparing the Orkney regional marine plan, with support from an advisory group representing community, environmental, economic and recreational interests. The plan will contain local policies to support decision making on issues from aquaculture to harbours and marine biodiversity, to name only a few. 

The recent visits helped local communities to gain an understanding of Orkney’s regional marine plan-making process before the plan goes out to public consultation around summer 2023. It was also an opportunity to find out more about the Orkney Coastal and Marine Recreation Survey (www.orkney.gov.uk/seeker) currently being undertaken to inform the plan. 

Shona Turnbull, Marine Planner, said: “The knowledge and enthusiasm of the island communities has really helped us understand island marine issues. We would like to thank everyone for taking the time to speak to us and we look forward to continuing these discussions as we take forward Orkney’s marine plan”.

A virtual event will be planned for the remaining populated isles in Orkney, and in person drop-in events are planned for Kirkwall, Stromness and St Margaret’s Hope over the summer; further details will follow in the next few months.

Photo list (all photos by Shona Turnbull):

1. Danny Morris, marine planner, snorkelling on B98 Destroyer, Sanday
2. Stronsay
3. Castle o’Burrian, Westray
4. Martello Tower, Hoy