We welcome the draft marine spatial plan which has brought together a substantial body of information on the marine environment and is a significant step in developing a planning framework for Shetland. This plan could place Shetland in an excellent position in light of the forthcoming Scottish Marine Bill but there are a number of shortcomings that should be addressed in order to achieve the overall Aim.
The plan must be founded on the principles of sustainable development, where environmental limits set the boundary for economic activity and not vice versa. In particular, we feel that there is insufficient emphasis on the need to re-establish and secure a healthy, functioning marine ecosystem and on measures to protect nationally important species and habitats other than those mentioned under European legislation.