This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Marine plan around Mull
04/12/2006
A pilot scheme to help shape the future management of Scotland's marine environment is being extended to include the Sound of Mull.
The three year, £125,000 project will develop and implement a marine spatial plan to help balance industry, leisure and environmental pressures on our seas.
It's the fourth and final pilot to be launched under the Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative (SSMEI).
It comes on the day Scots are being asked to share their views on marine issues in the EU's biggest ever consultation on the future of our seas.
Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie said:
"Scotland is leading the way in taking forward the marine spatial planning agenda and examining who uses our seas and how they are used.
"Three pilot projects are already underway and the Sound of Mull pilot will provide an opportunity to enhance the management of this important area.
"We all have to be part of the solution and these pilots give everyone with an interest in our rich marine resources the opportunity to help shape the future of our seas."
SSMEI was set up to test new approaches to sustainable management and considering the benefits to coastal communities.
SSMEI is a multi-partner, £800,000 initiative led by the Executive and including Scottish Natural Heritage, SEPA, Crown Estate and local authorities.
Two marine spatial planning pilots are already underway for the Shetland Isles and the Firth of Clyde. Another pilot is testing the benefits of new projects centred around the coast of St Abbs and Eyemouth for coastal communities along the Berwickshire Coast.
SSMEI pilots in Shetland, Firth of Clyde and Berwickshire Coast were announced by Mr Finnie in September 2005. The Sound of Mull pilot was designed to complement the other three pilots. The individual pilots are aimed at testing experimental approaches at a range of scales and locations.
The Sound of Mull pilot will have a budget of £125,000 over three years. £55,000 will come from the Executive, £37,500 from Scottish Natural Heritage and £15,000 from the Crown Estate.