Thursday, 13 December 2007 11:40

The Sound of Mull Marine Management Project held its first working group meeting in Craignure.

The project is one of four pilots under the Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative (SSMEI) which aims to develop and evaluate different approaches to managing Scotland’s marine resources.

The working group is the key element in developing and implementing a marine plan for the area and the use of this locally orientated approach sets the Sound of Mull project apart from the other three SSMEI project areas.

The project officers have spent the past few months meeting with stakeholders on a one to one basis to establish the group. The first meeting was attended by a wide range of regulators and local stakeholders representing various sectors including fishing, aquaculture, recreation, tourism and the environment.

The Council's spokesperson for Economy, Environment and Rural Affairs, Councillor Robert Macintyre, agreed: "It is wonderful news that the first working group meeting has taken place in Craignure.

"The Sound of Mull Marine Management Project plays a vital role in helping to develop the area to ensuring that our marine resources are protected and I wish it every success in the future.

"The group is keen to engage the wider community in the project and drop-in meetings are planned for Mull and Morvern to allow the public to obtain more details about the project and feed in their opinions and information."

Chairperson of the group, Mary-Jean Devon, said: "Feedback from the event was extremely positive and a productive day was had by all who attended.

"The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for a diverse range of interests to meet and discuss the importance of the Sound of Mull and the issues and opportunities it presents.

"I hope that members of the working group move forward together from this constructive beginning to deliver a plan which is reflective of the needs and interests of the area."

This three year project is funded by the Scottish Government, The Crown Estate, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Whelk Leader+ Program.