Mapping a Way Forward Towards Cross-Sector Co-operation and Integrated Marine Management

Kathryn Logan, Moray Firth Partnership and

Dr Tavis Potts, University of Aberdeen

• Background

• Case study o Burghead Rig Anchoring

• Lessons Learned

• Marine Planning Context

• Way Forward- Next Steps

• No statutory powers

• Neutral / non lobbying

• Facilitation and

Mediation

• ‘Bottom up’ approach

• Cross-sector

Engagement

• Wide Networks

• Sharing Information

• Raising Awareness

MFP work Local Coastal Partnership – started 1993

Integrated Coastal and Marine Management

Promote sustainable development and best

use of resources

Flexible & dynamic, so can act quickly ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Moray Firth Partnership

• Engaging with Businesses & Communities

• Valuing Environment

& Biodiversity

• Coastal access marine tourism & Sport

• Working with all

Sectors • Safeguarding our

heritage • Helping the

local economy

Local Coastal Partnerships

CoastHebrides

2006

Moray Firth

Partnership

1993 (1999)

2005

1997

19931994

1993

• Landuse

• Tourism

• Oil &Gas

• Coastal

Defence

• Ports &

Navigation

• Military

Activities

• Culture

• Conservation

• Dredging &

Disposal

• Submarine

Cables

• Fishing • Renewable

Energy

• Marine

Recreation

• Mineral

Extraction

• Mariculture

Shared Space

Fishing Sector Interactions

Inshore Fisheries

Groups

Fishing Vessels per area

Rig Anchoring

• Typical 12 tonne rig anchor

used in shallow waters of Firth while loading equipment / testing

(Image courtesy of Interocean)

• 4 – 6 anchors per rig

• Anchor Spread 600 – 1000m

• Up to 1200m between rigs

• Up to 3 rig handling vessels

• Multiple rig movements

Seabed Effects

12.5 t anchor on seabed

(Image courtesy of Interocean)

Issues for Small Fishing Vessels

• Can’t pinpoint anchor positions

• Large anchor holes in seabed

• Can take years for large holes

to fill

• Safety issues for small trawlers:

trapped gear could cause

vessel to capsize

• Previous attempts by fishermen

to raise concerns not successful

• Disturbance of key fishing

grounds – lost revenue

Meeting with Marine Services

Operators and Fishermen

• Used MSP- LED Project - “Touch Table”

• Moray Firth Pilot area

MSP-LED

(Marine Spatial Planning for

Local Economic

Development)

Project - “Touch Table”

What we discovered….. • Barriers to communication prevented this conflict

from being resolved for over ten years

• Local knowledge and champions are critical

• Importance of a trusted, neutral contact

• Practical solutions tested – delivered results rather

than fear and resistance

• Voluntary agreement reached- can be formalised

• Touch Table supports, but doesn’t replace

communication & engagement

Predicting the future?

Future Uses • Joint production of coastal

knowledge and mapping o Visualisation, Scaling & ‘Buzz’ factor

• Good opportunity to support

partnerships and build trust

• The role of a ‘boundary organisation’

(such as the MFP)

• Support negotiations in maritime

interactions & marine planning

o - discussions to identify alternative tanker

anchorage areas in inner Moray Firth

Marine Planning Context

Marine Environment

Achieve Good Environmental Status by 2020

Tourism and Recreation

Enhance and develop opportunities for marine

recreation

Oil and Gas

Sustain approx 200,000 Scottish jobs in the

industry

Fishing

Fish all stocks at Maximum Sustainable yield, sustaining

stocks, the industry and coastal communities Renewables

Provide 10 Giga Watts of capacity by 2020 in

place and under construction

Aquaculture

Increase finfish production by 50% and shellfish

production by 100% by 2020

Transport Deliver services & protect the

£1.5bn contribution of Scotland’s ports to the its

economy

Conservation

Sustainably manage our seas using a three pillar

approach

Ports

Ensure facilities are available to support

renewables and lifeline services

Wild salmon and freshwater fisheries

Sustainably manage and identify priority areas

Water and Coastal

Protect the coast against change and flooding; safeguard water resources and improve

wastewater quality

Future Sharing • Early liaison and discussions foster good relations

• Better information sharing – two way learning

• Use local networks as well as national bodies

• Build on existing guidance (e.g. FLOWW Best Practice Guidance for Offshore Renewables Developments/ Fisheries Interactions )

• Recognise opportunities as well as difficulties in

co-existence

• Local support for positive engagement

Thank You

Kathryn Logan

Moray Firth Partnership

M: 0787 294 1998

Tavis Potts

University of Aberdeen

M: 07923 465 365