Marine Renewables and integrated planning

Mike NeilsonDirector, Marine ScotlandScottish Government

Working towards integrated planning

Approach to integrated marine planning

Challenge posed by renewables

How we are tackling it

Competing uses

Nature conservationMarine Protected AreasProtection for seals and managed controlEcosystem management

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT Marine Plan ledEngaging all stakeholdersStreamlined licensingMarine Scotland new integrated department

EU framework: MSFD, CFP Habitats

Marine Policy StatementScottish national marine plan

Regional marine plan Authorisation/enforcement/decisions

Island communitiesCOMMUNITIES; MARINE PLANNING PARTNERSHIPS

Scotlands Renewable Marine Resource25% Europes tidal potential (14GW)

25% Europes offshore wind potential (25GW)10% Europes wave stream potential (7.5GW)

Marine renewable energyCompetition with ferry routes and shippingEnvironmental implicationsFishing concernsSynergy with aquaculture?

Using the tools

Marine planning

Environmental assessment

Streamlined licensing

Risk-based approaches

10 Offshore Wind Sites in Scottish Waters

Potential Marine Renewable Areas(Developer Survey)

Marine Planning - Seabed Survey (Pentland Firth)

Streamlined licensingNavigationDeposit in seaDevelopment consentElectricity generation

Marine Renewable DevicesTidal StreamWaveWind

Key Issues Device type can lead to different monitoring approaches.

Location and Scale of Development can warrant different approaches.

Sensitivity of the environment a main issue.Development TypeLocation & Scale of Development Environmental Sensitivity BWEA

ConclusionsChallenge posed by renewables is pushing us to tackle the difficult issuesHaving a plan is better than not having a plan!Talk early and talk lotsDont let complexity prevent progressLearn to take decisions with imperfect information risk managementIntegration needed at all levels- from EU Commission down

Governance of the sea was fragmented. Different legislation inside and beyond 12 nautical miles.

Scottish Government had responsibility out to the 200 nautical miles (turquoise) defined for fisheries. This is implemented under strict European rules on fishing under the Common Fisheries Policy.

Dark blue is area where Scottish government had control on marine nature conservation, aquaculture, nature conservation, water quality and other developments and impacts.Competition from different marine uses for sea space

Starting at the bottom left- traditional industry is fishing. Coastal communities 20% of jobs depending on fishing. Fish farming value of catch is now greater than fishing. Oil and gas- offshore and on-shore. Ports and harbours. Recreational Activities. Dredging.

Each activity different regulator Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, oil and gas Department of Energy, Aquaculture, local authorities (elected councillors). Some sectors eg recreation no regulator/champion.

Impacts regulated Navigation- government department responsible for ports and haboursDeposits in the Sea and Dredging- government scientists responsible for fisheries researchDischarges, chemicals, sewage, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency

Sea bed owned by the Crown to maximise revenue

New competition for marine space arises from the opportunities made possible from renewable energy resources.

On shore wind generation mature. Now moving off-shore

Tidal and wave

Increased competition for sea space with existing users.