Firth of Clyde public consultation – update

The SSMEI Firth of Clyde project has launched its draft marine spatial plan for public consultation. More information can be found here and the draft MSP in pdf format may be found here on their site.

Their vision is that "The Firth of Clyde will have a healthy marine and coastal environment, rich in biodiversity and natural resources.  This will enhance the quality of life for local communities and contribute to a diverse and sustainable economy for the West of Scotland."

The draft spatial marine plan tackles issues such as the regulation, management and protection of the marine environment of the Firth. It considers competing demands for access to marine resources and space for interests as diverse as fishing, wildlife conservation, renewable energy and transport and proposes ways in which these can be managed more sustainably for future generations.

They would like your views on a proposed stakeholder-regulator partnership to implement their plan – it is based on the Firth of Clyde Forum Core Group which has no representation from any sea angling interests.

A number of consultations events are being organised to discuss the Draft Firth of Clyde Marine Spatial Plan with the project team prior to responding to the consultation, so far the following have been identified (updates as and when we get them)

• Ayr – TBC – 20/04/09
• Lochgilphead – Community Centre – 19/05/09
• Campbeltown – Aqualibrium – 21/05/09
• Helensburgh – Victoria Halls – TBC
• Largs – Yacht Haven – TBC
• Gourock – Royal Yacht Club – TBC
• Glasgow – Nautical College – TBC
• Arran – Wildlife Festival – TBC

If you would like to see the interests of sea anglers taken into account, you need to go along to your nearest consultation, put your views across and respond to the consultation by Friday the 26th of June 2009.

Written comments on draft Firth of Clyde Marine Spatial Plan and the draft Environment Report are invited by 26th June 2009. Comments should be submitted: via the online comments form or, by email to SSMEI@ClydeForum.org This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or, by post to the address below.

SSMEI Clyde Pilot
Caspian House
Mariner Court
Clydebank

Category: Conservation