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Scottish Coastal Forum: Current ICZM initiatives: Spring 2004
Loch Ryan Forum
The Loch Ryan Forum (LRF) was established primarily in response to a single issue, the concerns during the late 1990s over the impact of ferry wash from the Loch Ryan to Northern Ireland route. Its current (wider) aims are:
To provide an open, non-statutory assembly at which those interested in the area can raise issues which may or may not fall within the functions of one particular body.
To facilitate an appreciation and understanding of the needs and concerns of those who use, own and regulate activities around the Loch.
To promote activities within the area which are harmonious with the well-being of the Loch, its natural beauty and cultural heritage, its surrounding area and those who live and work within its vicinity.
The Forum is an advisory body with no formal constitution, nor finances, nor officers. It is staffed through a secretariat provided by Dumfries and Galloway Council, and joint projects are funded collaboratively by member organisations. LRF is currently chaired by the representative from the local National Farmers Union (Scotland) and has a membership of some 40 bodies. These range from the sea-angling federation to the multinational companies STENA-Line, and P&O, and also include all tiers of local government and the community. The Forum published a strategy in January 1999, to distil issues of shared concern, and to outline the potential for collaborative working.
One of the first projects was a scientific study of the coastal processes. This was published in 2000 and has been used to inform debate on coastal erosion, ferry wash hazard, dispersal from discharges into the Loch, dredging plans and in the preparation of environmental assessments.
Ferry-wash caused dangerous incidents for fishermen and recreational users, on the shoreline and inshore waters, alleged erosion of shoreline property and disturbance to wildlife, notably breeding terns. Data records on these issues were scarce, as was understanding of coastal processes needed to establish cause and effect. The following achievements have resulted:
Signage, warning shoreline users of hazards.
Modification to aspects of operation of ferries.
Incident Report System involving the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Continuing co-operation of protagonists on other issues, through LRF.
Reduced ferry-wash in parts of Loch Ryan.
Scientific identification of erosion causes.
A series of storyboards has been installed around Lochside viewpoints and recreational sites, as part of the visitor experience to interpret local history and heritage. The work was funded by Forum members.
A regular feature of LRF meetings is an item on water quality. This has particular significance since Loch Ryan had the distinction of being in the first tranche of oyster beds in the UK to be designated as a Shellfish Water and significant improvements of the discharge from Stranraer Waste Water Treatment Works are planned. This will be important since not only is the oyster an UK BAP species, but the Loch Ryan fishery is a significant proportion of UK oyster production. The Forum is being used to gather information and to communicate the issues on the improvements.
The future for LRF looks interesting, with possible links being made to the Council's new Community Planning remit. The variety of interests around the Loch will certainly ensure the continued need for free and open communication and collaborative working.
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