Keeping Orkney’s marine region clean, healthy, safe and productive

Widespread public consultation is due to get underway on 1 August 2024 to guide decision making on coastal and marine developments and activities in Orkney. 

The Council’s Development and Marine Planning team are keen to hear from members of the public on the draft Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan. The Marine Plan is a statutory planning document developed by OIC Marine Planning, with valuable input throughout from local communities and the Orkney Marine Planning Advisory Group. 

All information and views collected through the 12-week consultation will help inform the next stage and final document. 

Orkney’s marine region extends from mean high water springs out to 12 nautical miles, which is an area of 9,258 km2 encompassing all of Orkney’s 68 islands, including 30 ports and harbours and 1,024km of coastline. 

The Council’s Marine Planning Team Manager, James Green, said: “Through the draft Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan we want to ensure our islands’ marine region is clean, healthy, safe and productive; Orkney's marine and coastal environment is rich in biodiversity and managed sustainably to support thriving and resilient local communities. 

“The draft plan contains policies to protect the environment, support community wellbeing and facilitate sustainable development. The plan can be used to help guide development proposals, prepare funding bids or deliver biodiversity enhancement projects, for example. 

“We have an extensive consultation planned with a series of events throughout Mainland Orkney, North and South Isles. This will include public drop-in sessions, school visits, engagement with youth groups and direct engagement with local businesses. 

“Our ‘open door’ policy is aimed at capturing a wide range of opinions and voices.” 

Chair of the Orkney Marine Planning Advisory Group, Cllr Kristopher Leask, said: “Our seas provide a wealth of natural resources and services that we all benefit from, whether that be sand for construction, fish for food, space for recreation and enjoyment, climate regulation, clean energy, trade and transport.” 

“It is important that we play a role in protecting our coastal and marine environments and ensure the correct policies are in place to support a system for future generations. 

“I would urge people in Orkney to come on board with the consultation and have your say in shaping the Plan.” 

If you would like to find out more about the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan, visit https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/D/marine-planning.htm 

Queries relating to the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan can be directed to the Marine Planning Team at Orkney Islands Council, by email: marine.planning@orkney.gov.uk  

The consultation documents can be accessed at https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/D/marine-planning.htm 

, Kirkwall Library & Archive, the Warehouse Buildings in Stromness or Customer Services, Orkney Islands Council, School Place, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY.  

Consultation Response Forms should be submitted to marine.planning@orkney.gov.uk or in writing: Development and Marine Planning, Orkney Islands Council, School Place, Kirkwall KW15 1NY by 17.00 on 25 October 2024.  

Consultation Drop-in Events 

In addition, two online engagement events will be held for those unable to attend in person. 

These are on Wednesday 21 August from 11am-12noon and Tuesday 8 October from 6pm-7pm. 

To book your place on an online engagement event visit orkney.gov.uk/mpc-infosession.