A PUBLIC consultation event about the draft Clyde Regional Marine Plan is being held in Greenock early next year.
The Clyde Marine Planning Partnership, which is delegated by the Scottish Government to deliver a Regional Marine Plan for the Firth of Clyde, is looking for feedback on the blueprint it has drawn up.
now consulting on the draft Plan in what represents an important opportunity for the Clyde’s individuals, communities, businesses and other stakeholders to review the Plan and provide feedback.
The plan marks the first ever attempt at embedding a statutory, multi-sectoral management approach for the Clyde, addressing a wide variety of issues across the region such as climate change, sea-level rise and coastal change, the spread of non-native species, and marine litter.
Focusing on sustainable development, the plan has policies to address sea fisheries and aquaculture; sport, recreation and tourism; shipping, ports, harbours and ferries as well as considering land-sea interactions.
The partnership has worked closely with a range of key stakeholders, including the nine planning authorities in the region, to integrate the land and sea planning systems and, where possible, align the policies to address marine and coastal issues.
Professor Anthony Gallagher, chair of the partnership, said: “The Clyde Regional Marine Plan sets out the vision of a healthy, resilient and productive marine environment, one that supports thriving communities, enables sustainable development, and protects the natural, cultural and economic assets that make the Clyde Marine Region unique.
“As the pressure on marine space continues to grow, and the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss continue to affect the Clyde, our responsibility to ensure the sustainable management of the Clyde Marine Region has reached a critical point.
“The plan represents a significant step forward in that endeavour. It aims to provide clarity, direction and a shared purpose, helping to ensure that the choices we make today contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future as well as connecting people to our marine heritage, and making us proud of what is a fantastic environment.”
A drop-in consultation session will take place at the Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, on Thursday 7 January from 1.30 to 5pm, followed by a structured presentation and with a question-and-answer session from 6.30 to 8.30pm.
To see the consultation draft Clyde Regional Marine Plan and to respond to the consultation visit www.clydemarineplan.scot.
