The Joint Links welcome the draft Marine Policy Statement (MPS) in principle, as the first step in implementing an evidence-based, plan-led system to ensure a more sustainable and coherent approach to guide development and management of the marine area. We also welcome the broad approach to public involvment in the marine planning process. Our main concerns are that the draft MPS does not achieve its legislative purpose of clearly identifying those policies which will ensure that the Marine Planning System contributes to the achievement of sustainability. It fails to adopt "strong sustainability" by recognising that ultimately all economic and social activity is dependent on the natural environment, its resources and ecoystem services that it provides.
http://www.scotlink.org/files/policy/ConsultationResponses/LINKUKMarinePolicyResp.pdf