Draft Scottish Marine Litter Strategy: Analysis of Consultation Responses

Question 22 - 25 Strategic Direction 5

• Strategic Direction 5: Stakeholder engagement at the UK, EU and international scales

Q22. What are your views on the possible actions?

Q23. Which do you believe is the most important possible action in helping to deliver the Marine Litter Strategy?

Q24. Can one or more of these possible actions be delivered under existing activities or do you think more action is needed under the Marine Litter Strategy?

Q25. Do you think any of the existing actions need to be improved?

21 respondents commented on Strategic Direction 5 and were generally supportive of the possible actions proposed in the consultation document.

Of those respondents that provided comments to Question 22. One respondent indicated that a combination of all possible actions was important and suggested they should be standalone actions because of their national/local level focus.

Key recommendations included the formation of a Steering Group led by Marine Scotland with an integrated delivery approach and defined roles to include the co-ordination of volunteer organisations. 57% of respondents specifically outlined support for a National Steering Group to be led by Marine Scotland.

One respondent suggested that a Steering Group must include clear and accountable roles, and objectives and indicators, in addition to Marine Strategy Framework Directive criteria. A further respondent suggested that a National Steering Group could be used to influence other actions under this Strategic Direction. One respondent stated that leadership by Marine Scotland will be important to convey messages regarding the safe and proper disposal or recovery of waste.

Six respondents highlighted that regional marine plans would have an important role in implementation of the Strategy. One respondent suggested that there must be close co-ordination, by Marine Scotland, to ensure consistent messaging across Scotland. Three respondents highlighted that regional marine plans would need to address litter already in the marine environment, including non-visible items.

In response to Question 24, one respondent felt that none of the possible actions could be delivered under existing activities and believed that a Marine Litter Strategy should include these actions. One respondent felt that the co-ordination role of a national steering group would require specific operational rules, resources and a constitution under the guide of the Strategy. One respondent indicated that actions could be provided by existing organisations, if there was sufficient resourcing. One respondent suggested that a more tailored national level campaign, in conjunction with actions to reduce plastic packaging, could bring benefits.

In responding to Question 25, two respondents noted their opinion that existing actions could be improved through more public engagement. One respondent indicated that the effectiveness of current measures was not clear.

Three respondents felt that more needs to be done to support enforcement of existing legislation. One of those responses suggested the addition of a new Strategic Direction to cover this issue.

Further work suggested by respondents to inform best practice included the following issues:

• Further research and development work, a joined-up international approach and incorporation of wider issues into the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
• One respondent suggested that the role of volunteers needs to be better recognised. Further to this a respondent stated that there should be more support for the work of the Marine Conservation Society.
• Two respondents highlighted that local engagement is essential. One respondent suggested that local coastal partnerships should have a role in taking forward approaches suited for their areas.
• One respondent stated that resource sharing should not preclude from accessing new resources when they are clearly required.
• One respondent stated that a joined up approach at an international scale is appropriate, and to that end Scotland would further benefit from involvement with the Global Environmental Faculty who is leading the international response to marine debris.
• Two respondents suggested that the former Clean Coast Scotland Network chaired by Keep Scotland Beautiful could be resurrected to support the engagement of stakeholders.
• Two respondents suggested that an independent delegation could better represent Scotland at OSPAR.
• One respondent explicitly suggested the need for co-ordination among all stakeholders, at a Scottish or UK level, to ensure a standardised approach.
• Two respondents made a similar suggestion for a new action to create a Steering/Working Group that could share and prioritise good practice on implementing the Strategy.