Wave of interest in marine planning consultation

The Council’s Marine Planners are delighted with the significant wave of interest shown in the draft Orkney Regional Marine Plan and Finfish Farming Spatial Guidance consultations. 

A 12-week consultation exercise began during August and is now at the halfway mark, the Council’s Team Manager of Marine Planning, James Green, says there’s been “great conversations” taking place. 

“There has been a strong interest in Orkney’s marine environment with around 125 people dropping in to our events so far. The numbers are particularly pleasing as we started the conversations in some of our smaller islands first. Some folk have come along to discuss a specific topic, whilst others have come along with a more general interest in the marine environment and to find out what we as Marine Planners do. That’s still really important as we can relate that to the policies that they may wish to comment on. 

“The team want to say a big thank you to everyone who has been along to the events and for all the really helpful feedback that we have received so far. But there’s still time to have your say, with three further drop-in events planned and the option to submit views in writing. This will help us to shape the final documents.” 

Drop-in sessions still to come: 

The is also an online information session about the marine plan consultation on 8 October 18.00 to 19.00. Sign up at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/orkneyislandscouncil/1330198 

People can submit a written response to the consultations by 25 October. More information is available at https://www.orkney.gov.uk/marine-plan-consultation and www.orkney.gov.uk/finfish-spatial-guidance 

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