Draft Scottish Marine Litter Strategy: Analysis of Consultation Responses

3. Analysis of responses to the consultation questions

The consultation document sets out 30 questions for respondents to consider in relation to the proposals outlined in the draft Marine Litter Strategy.

This section presents an analysis of respondents' comments in relation to Questions 1 - 26 in the consultation document. A number of questions have been taken together where they fall within the same policy topic.

Question 1 - Structure

Do you agree with the timescales outlined?

Figure 1 - Distribution of responses to Question 1

Question 1 was answered by 23 respondents and 17 indicated that they agreed it was appropriate for the timescales for the Strategy to be aligned with implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. However, six of those respondents suggested that it would be beneficial if the timing of reviews for the Marine and National Litter Strategies could be aligned to ensure consistency, with half of those respondents clear that this action should not delay implementation. A view was also expressed that a revised review date of 2016 would allow time for the Strategy to be introduced and have effect.

One respondent suggested that there may be opportunities now for piloting some initiatives in advance of the final strategy being adopted.

Six respondents indicated that they disagreed with the proposed timescales. Of those respondents, three emphasised that 2020 should not be seen as the end point. Instead the Strategy should be implemented as soon as possible and updated regularly to ensure it is relevant and effective, and reflect evidence based information under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Indeed, one respondent highlighted that they would have welcomed further information on the scope of the review process and sought clarification on what will be achieved within the proposed timeframe.

One respondent expressed concern about timescales that are linked to the National Litter Strategy, which do not necessarily fit with those of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Other responses stressed that faster progress on the Strategy is required to respond to the increasing problem of marine litter. This was reflected further by one respondent who expressed a view that the Scottish target should be more ambitious, and in line with the document ' UK Marine Strategy Part One' ^[1] .

Conversely, two respondents expressed the view that the timescale was optimistic, in particular, establishing a monitoring programme under Marine Strategy Framework Directive.