Valuable local input sought to help shape Orkney’s marine plan

People in Orkney are being invited to “come on board” to help shape the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan.

Orkney Marine Planning Partnership has published a guidance document, a Statement of Public Participation, showing how the public can get involved in moulding Orkney’s marine economy and environment. It outlines the indicative timescale and how people can input to the development of the Marine Plan.

Councillor Graham Sinclair, Chair of the Orkney Marine Planning Advisory Group, said: “This is an early milestone in the drive to ensure Orkney’s waters are managed sustainably with valuable local input and knowledge. I hope you can come on board and share your views at the key stages in the plan’s development to ensure we shape the marine plan that allows our marine and coastal environment and economy to thrive.”

Alongside the plan, there will be a variety of other reports produced, as outlined in the guidance document.  These too would greatly benefit from local input. As the plan-making process develops, various public consultation events will be held, but input is welcome at any time.

The report can be found on the Marine Planning page.  If anyone would like to be added to the stakeholder database and receive occasional updates on the work, please email the marine planning team.