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| Water-based recreation ranges from quiet activities such as fishing to the use of mechanised jet skis and it is not always possible for sports such as these to take place in harmony on the same body of water. Given concerns about the impact of recreational activities or the environment and on the safety of people using the water there is a growing recognition of the need to manage the recreational use of water. This concise Guide sets out the powers currently available to local authorities and other proprietors to control these water based activities. Written in plain terms it is aimed at local authorities. sports governing bodies and other organisations and individuals with an interest in these issues. |
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| Content of The Guide |
| The Guide is intended to be user-friendly and it sets out the powers currently available to local authorities and other proprietors to control the recreational use of waters. It describes the main powers which exist with regard to recreational use of water and it gives: |
- an overview of current management mechanisms or tools such as byelaws and legislative powers
- identities the main organisations who can use these mechanisms
- describes ways in which the recreational use of water has been managed in Scotland using such techniques.
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| Managing Recreational Activity on Water |
| Water based recreation includes a wide range of activities and they can be an important part of may people's lives. Activities range from quiet, localised sports such as fishing to the use of mechanised water craft such as jet skis. Over recent years the range of recreational activities associated with water has diversified and pressure upon the most accessible water bodies has increased. This has raised a number of concerns, particularly with regard to safety and the impact upon the environment. Given this, the need to manage the recreational use of water is becoming a pressing issue. |
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| Coverage of the Guide |
| The Guide covers all forms of water-based recreation which take place in freshwater (such as lochs and rivers) and includes activities which take place on the water at the seashore. It does not deal with the issue of access to land which may need to be crossed in order to gain access to the water body. |
| It gives an overview of the powers available and is not a substitute for consulting the legislation or relevant legal documents. It does however outline the ways in which recreation can be managed -including by those participating in the activities - and it describes where to go for more detailed information. |
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| Management Mechanisms |
| The Guide provides a short introduction to the approaches which are available and which have most commonly been used. It describes mechanisms such as legislative powers and byelaws and explains the advantages and disadvantages associated with their use. |
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| Managing Water and Recreation in Practice |
| Increasing recreational use of water means that a range of organisations and individuals are faced with decisions and choices about managing these resources. The Guide illustrates ways in which some of the management tools have been used by local authorities or other groups. An example of such a case study is the management of Loch Maree, a site of special scientific interest and home to a protected species of bird - the very rare black-throated diver. The Guide also describes the management of St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve, a popular site with sporting enthusiast such as subaqua divers and the local fishing community as well as those interested in the wildlife on the reserve. |
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| 'Water and Recreation: A Guide to Managing the Recreational Use of Water in Scotland' the research report summarised in this Research Findings, may be purchased (price £5 per copy). |
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Cheques should be made payable to The Stationery Office and addressed to:
The Stationery Office Ltd, Mail Order Department, 71 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9AZ. Telephone: 0131 228 4181 Fax: 0131 622 7017 The report can also be ordered online from:www.thestationeryoffice.co.uk |
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| This Research Findings may be photocopied, or further copies may be obtained from: |
The Scottish Office Central Research Unit
Area 2J CRU
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh EH6 6QQ
Tel No: 0131 244 5397 or Fax No: 0131 244 5393 |