Scottish Marine Management Inquiry

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There has been no specific consideration of the Scottish marine environment by the Scottish Executive since 1999 - but there is to be one shortly as the Scottish Executives Environment and Rural Development Committee (ERDC) has announced an inquiry into the management of the marine environment.

 

The Committee invites all interested parties to submit written evidence by Wednesday 20 December 2006. It is particularly keen to hear views from communities and individuals who live and/or work in coastal or marine areas.

 

This is an opportunity for sea anglers to get their voices heard - Make a difference - It won't take too much effort - just a bit of thought and an email or two !!

 

* The SFSA will be submitting written evidence

* We will be quite happy to take any input from members on issues

* As many people as possible should submit their views

 

Submit directly to ERDC@scottish.parliament.uk and/or to the SFSA - contact@sfsacu.com

 

The site http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/bu...ryhomepage.htm gives full details, but the following are the key points.

 

Remit of the Inquiry

 

* Uses: What are the varied, and often competing, demands which are placed on the marine environment? Where are the key pressure points and challenges – with a particular view to any that have distinctively Scottish perspectives?

 

* Planning: What good practice is developing from the initiatives which exist to co-ordinate various activities, and manage potential conflicts, in the marine environment (e.g. marine spatial planning pilots, the coastal forum network, etc).

 

* Development of governance: What legislation and organizational structures etc. need to change? What is the best way to create an overarching framework for effective management of the marine environment?

 

The Committee expects to take oral evidence over three meetings – on 9, 17 and 24 January 2007 from representatives of a range of sectors and interest groups.

 

Written evidence - should be reasonably brief and typewritten (as a guide, normally no more than 4 sides of A4).

 

Responses / queries can be submitted by email to ERDC@scottish.parliament.uk or by letter to: Jenny Goldsmith, Assistant Clerk, Environment and Rural Development Committee, Room T1.01, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP. Tel: 0131 348 5242

[Ian Burrett]

This is a committee which will be looking at Mr Finnies failings and it is well worth you giving your opinion

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Only two days to go - if you don't tell them how you feel, don't expect any change.