UHI Shetland marine planning team celebrate launch of new regional marine plan for Shetland

The Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan has been adopted as the first statutory regional marine plan for Scotland. Announced today (Thursday 4 December) by the Scottish Government, the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan has been developed by the Shetland Islands Marine Planning Partnership, which comprises UHI Shetland and the Shetland Islands Council, guided by an advisory group comprising of a a diverse range of local stakeholders covering environmental, community, recreational and commercial interests.

The plan aims to support management of the marine environment in Shetland to ensure clean, healthy, safe, productive and diverse seas, that meet the long-term needs of nature and the local people.

Sitting beneath Scotland’s National Marine Plan, the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan recognises the importance of local stewardship, knowledge and ambition in shaping the future of Shetland’s seas. The  Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan supports sustainable management and decision-making by providing a locally relevant policy framework and robust evidence base for decision-making from the coast out to the 12 nautical mile limit. The development of the plan was guided by input from a local advisory group and has been informed by the many contributions from, and expertise of, the Shetland community, industry and stakeholders.

The publication of the plan reflects two decades of Shetland’s leadership in marine spatial planning. It is supported by a substantial body of existing and new local data and knowledge that offers a comprehensive picture of the marine environment around Shetland.

Dr Rachel Shucksmith, Associate Professor of Marine Management and Governance at UHI Shetland, said: 

"We’re delighted that the  Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan has been adopted and want to acknowledge the dedication of those who have worked towards its adoption past and present at UHI Shetland, Shetland Islands Council and the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan advisory group. The Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan will provide a strong foundation to address future challenges, coordinate action, and safeguard Shetland’s seas for generations to come.”

With the plan now adopted, the Shetland Marine Planning Partnership will become a statutory consultee, and oversee the implementation, monitoring and future updates of the plan. The data and policy framework in the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan will become considerations in marine licence decisions and will provide a strong foundation to address future challenges, coordinate action, and safeguard Shetland’s seas for generations to come.

The full plan can be viewed here.