Draft Scottish Marine Litter Strategy: Analysis of Consultation Responses

Question 30 - Further comments

Twenty-two respondents commented on the question and a number of issues were raised in response.

Strategy and its implementation

The Marine Litter Strategy was welcomed by some and many respondents offered suggestions for elements that could be improved or should be included.

It was suggested that the Strategy should include a review process and timetable to measure its effectiveness, stakeholder engagement and implementation of actions.

One respondent felt that the anti-litter message in general should be covered under the National Litter Strategy.

Respondents suggested that there should be detailed action to address microplastics and the clean-up of existing marine litter to ensure these issues are addressed.

A few responses mentioned the need for better education of the general public and industry about the problems and impact of marine litter, with particular reference to sewage related debris and waste from maritime activities.

It was highlighted that there was a need for more data on the extent and spread of offshore litter, including on the seabed.

A viable source of appropriate funding was felt to be important. A suggestion was the introduction of a tax mechanism e.g. tax imposed on the use of plastic bottles, to fund coastline monitoring and cleaning programmes.

Stakeholders

It was suggested that support of volunteers, and community initiatives should be given greater prominence within the Strategy.

Actions

The need for adequate bin infrastructure on beaches was mentioned by a couple of respondents. It was also suggested that beach cleaning activities be prioritised - based on type of beach and litter hotspots - so that resources can be allocated efficiently.

It was noted that proposed action to improve enforcement of existing measures, should align with future marine planning.

It was suggested that there is a need for a monitoring and recording service for marine and coastal litter, similar to the methodology used to monitor and grade Scotland's award beaches.

General

Two respondents said that community groups had difficulties accessing Zero Waste Scotland funding available for anti-litter initiatives due to the organisation's interpretation of rules regarding state aid. It was requested that this restriction be reviewed.

Two local authority respondents raised an issue of landfill tax on marine litter removed from the sea. It was requested that the application of the landfill tax to the Fishing for Litter project, and related activities, should be reconsidered.