Background to SSMEI Sound of Mull Project
The project area includes marine areas up to mean high water springs between Ardmore Point, Isle of Mull and Auliston Point, Morvern in the north and Duart Point, Isle of Mull and Rubha an Ridire, Morvern in the south (see Document Downloads for a map). The project area also includes Loch Aline.
It is intended that all activities that can have an influence on the marine and coastal area will be discussed and incorporated into a marine spatial plan
WHY THE SOUND OF MULL?
The Sound of Mull was chosen as a pilot for several reasons:
• The area is cross local authority/regulatory boundary (Argyll & Bute on the Isle of Mull coast and Highland on the Morvern coast). It is hoped that this can provide lessons for the future in marine planning across regulatory/authority boundaries.
• The area supports both island and remote mainland communities.
• The size makes it particularly suitable for localised stakeholder involvement.
• Whilst there are community organisations and initiatives ongoing on both sides, there are none that are specifically geared towards marine management and link the two sides of the Sound of Mull.
• There are various activities and interests using the area e.g. fishing, aquaculture, shipping, diving, sailing, other recreation, heritage, tourism and wildlife watching.
OUTPUTS OF THE PROJECT
The main objectives of the project are outlined below. Further details can be obtained in the briefs available from Document Downloads.
• Establish a Sound of Mull Working Group and Liaison Group that includes stakeholders and regulators who have an interest in the marine and coastal environment of the Sound of Mull.
• Develop, produce and implement a Sound of Mull voluntary marine spatial plan that incorporates existing management practices, an environmental capacity and a socio-economic evaluation.
• Conduct an environmental capacity study
• Develop socio-economic profiles for each sector operating in the Sound of Mull.
• Develop a central information source
LONG TERM AIM
The Sound of Mull Working Group have agreed the following long term aim for the Sound of Mull:
The Sound of Mull will be a healthy and productive marine and coastal environment that will support a rich variety of habitats and species, a diverse and sustainable economy and be of benefit to the communities inhabiting its coast.
OBJECTIVES OF THE MARINE SPATIAL PLAN FOR THE SOUND OF MULL
The following objectives for the marine spatial plan have been agreed with the Sound of Mull Working Group:
To produce a locally orientated, flexible and transparent plan that will:
• Provide guidance and recommendations to assist current and future planning, regulation and management of marine and coastal activities.
• Encourage a diverse, balanced mix of sectors to operate and develop sustainably with consideration of other interests and environmental capacity.
• Recognise, promote and help safeguard areas important for marine and coastal wildlife, habitats and heritage.
• Enable a better understanding of the socio-economics of the area and incorporate this into management and planning.
• Provide an example of best practice to contribute to ICZM and marine spatial planning development nationally.
FUNDING
The Sound of Mull Pilot is funded by the Scottish Executive, SNH, The Crown Estate, The Whelk Leader+ Programme and in-kind contributions from Argyll & Bute Council and Highland Council.
TIME FRAME
The SSMEI Sound of Mull project will run for 3 years from 11th June 2007 until 10th June 2010. Extra funding opportunities will be investigated to continue the project if this is felt to be beneficial.
