Consultation Report on the Draft Scottish Marine Regions Order 2013

6. Conclusions

The Scottish Government would like to thank all 37 respondents who took the time to submit their response to the public consultation exercise.

21 of the 37 responses received supported the boundaries proposed in the draft Scottish Marine Regions Order 2013. There were additional comments on the boundaries from 21 respondents, and the draft order has been amended as a result of the consultation.

Although out with the scope of this consultation, some respondents provided comments on Inshore Fisheries Groups boundaries, Marine Planning Partnerships, regional marine planning more generally, and the National Marine Plan. Marine Scotland has recently undertaken an extensive consultation (until 13 November 2013) on a package of measures for planning Scotland's seas, including a draft National Marine Plan, proposed Marine Protected Areas, and the future of marine renewables. Marine Scotland is also currently considering approaches to take for developing regional marine planning, and the structure and governance arrangements for Marine Planning Partnerships.