Why, What, Who?

Scotland's coasts and seas are a vital part of our natural heritage, economy and cultural  identity, supporting a rich diversity of habitats and life, and providing a significant economic and social resource for the country. Our coasts and seas are under increasing pressure from a multitude of demands, uses and management pressures. Currently, over 83 Acts govern activities relating to the marine and coastal environment in Scotland . These have evolved on an ad hoc basis, often in response to emerging economic pressures such as salmon farming or oil exploration. At present there is neither a co-ordinated strategy to integrate the legislation nor a Government policy framework to advise/support bodies with marine duties.

The Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative (SSMEI) aims to gain an understanding of the nature, value, and management needs of Scotland 's marine environment and to identify alternative management approaches, with a view to ensuring new management initiatives and possible future domestic legislation results in a truly sustainable framework. 

Phase III of the SSMEI entails the implementation of a series of four pilot projects in Shetland, Berwickshire Coast, Sound of Mull and Firth of Clyde.  These pilots will test various approaches to sustainable management of the marine environment.

The Firth of Clyde Pilot will run for three years from July 2006. The Pilot is tasked with the development and delivery of more integrated and sustainable management of the marine and costal areas of the Firth of Clyde through an effective and integrated stakeholder-regulator partnership. It aims to achieve this through the creation of a Local Marine Spatial Plan together with improved decision support mechanisms and integrated decision making.