UHI Shetland marine planning team celebrate launch of new Regional Marine Plan for Shetland.

The Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan (SIRMP) has been adopted as the first statutory regional marine plan for Scotland. Announced today [Thursday Dec 4] by the Scottish Government, the SIRMP has been developed by the Shetland Islands Marine Planning Partnership, which comprises UHI Shetland and the Shetland Islands Council, guided by an Advisory Group. The Advisory Group comprises 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 SIRMP recognises the importance of local stewardship, knowledge and ambition in shaping the future of Shetland’s seas. The SIRMP 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.

Associate Professor of Marine Management and Governance at UHI Shetland, Dr Rachel Shucksmith said “We’re delighted that the SIRMP has been adopted and want to acknowledge the dedication of those who have worked towards its adoption past and present at UHI Shetland, SIC, and from the SIRMP advisory group. The SIRMP 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 SIRMP will become considerations in marine licence decisions. The SIRMP will provide a strong foundation to address future challenges, coordinate action, and safeguard Shetland’s seas for generations to come.