Marine litter strategy

Annex C: Island Communities Impact Assessment

1. Develop a clear understanding of your objectives

What are the objectives of the strategy?

The aim of the Marine Litter Strategy is to help realise the Scottish Government's vision of a 'clean, healthy, safe, productive, and biologically diverse marine and coastal environment that meets the long term needs of people and nature'. This underpins developments in marine legislation through the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 in promoting sustainable use of our valuable and unique environment.

Marine litter poses a number of problems across the economy, environment and society. These detrimental effects include damage to marine wildlife, as well as wider ecosystem deterioration, public health issues, impacts on aesthetics, and a wider range of economic impacts across industries reliant on our coastal and marine environment.

The Strategy has a clear purpose: to develop current and future measures to prevent litter from entering the marine and coastal environment, and to support its removal, in order to bring ecological, economic and social benefits for the whole of Scotland.

Do you need to consult?

Yes. The refreshed Marine Litter Strategy and Action Plan has gone through various stages of direct engagement with partners and stakeholders, including islands representatives. The first stage was to undertake a review of the first Marine Litter Strategy and to consider whether the overall aims and intent of the Strategy were still valid and relevant, and that the Strategic Directions (i.e. objectives) consider the correct issues. Review workshops took place in late 2019 and identified the need for some changes in the refreshed Strategy.

The second stage involved Marine Scotland Directorate working with partners and stakeholders to consider which areas were of most concern and what specific actions Marine Scotland Directorate could take to effect a positive change. Several online meetings were held during Summer 2021, with further input gathered by Marine Scotland Directorate in Autumn 2021.

Taken together, this initial engagement helped to identify priority actions that could realistically be achieved within the next six years, taking into consideration the staffing and financial resources that Marine Scotland Directorate and its partners have available.

Stakeholders engaged with included:

• Crown Estate Scotland
• Fidra
• Islay Development Initiative, representing islands and island views
• Keep Scotland Beautiful
• KIMO (Local Authorities International Environmental Organisation)
• Local Coastal Partnerships
• Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS)
• Marine Conservation Society
• NatureScot (formally SNH)
• Chairs of the Regional Inshore Fisheries Groups
• Scottish Islands Federation, representing islands and island views
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
• Scottish Fishermen's Federation
• Scottish Water
• Zero Waste Scotland

An updated draft of the Marine Litter Strategy was published for consultation from 29 December 2021 to 22 March 2022. Responses received have been considered and any necessary amendments will be incorporated into the final Strategy and the final impact assessments, including this ICIA.

How are islands identified for the purpose of the strategy?

The Strategy is a national one, and encompasses issues relevant to the whole of Scotland, whether the mainland or the islands. The Strategy intends to implement and achieve actions which will be of benefit to the whole of Scotland, irrespective of location or island status.

Additionally, it is acknowledged that certain islands experience specific litter issues to a differing degree to some parts of the mainland, and as such the Strategy responds to this with specific actions designed to investigate and address these issues.

What are the intended impacts/outcomes and how do these potentially differ in the islands?

The vision for the Strategy is to: reinforce support for existing actions which are currently contributing to our goals; and identify new measurable and achievable actions which can be completed within a realistic timescale. These actions are focused on: preventing litter entering the marine environment, in parallel with litter reduction and behaviour change actions to be achieved by the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy; continuing to support and raise awareness of actions to remove marine litter; and contributing to the overall aim of achieving Good Environmental Status as required by the UK Marine Strategy.

These intended outcomes do not differ in the islands.

Is the strategy new?

No. The Scottish Government has made a commitment to refreshing the 2014 Marine Litter Strategy for Scotland. Marine Scotland Directorate, with and through the Marine Litter Strategy Steering Group, has been engaging with key stakeholders and partners over the last three years to take stock of the original Strategy and to identify objectives and actions to help inform and shape a refreshed Marine Litter Strategy and Action Plan.

The updated Strategy will reflect progress made since 2014, and the continuing and new actions necessary to meet our vision and goals. The Strategy sets out Scotland's approach to ensuring that measurable steps are taken to reduce sources of marine litter as well as to support removal initiatives, in order to bring ecological, economic and social benefits to the whole of Scotland.

2. Gather your data and identify your stakeholders

What data is available about the current situation in the islands?

Data is available on the extent and composition of marine litter on islands. The majority of this comes from NGOs, volunteer surveys, or citizen science projects, and hence is not evenly spread throughout or between islands.

The National Plan for Scotland's Islands can provide high level data on: population levels; sustainable economic development; transport; housing and fuel poverty; digital connectivity; health, social care and wellbeing; environmental wellbeing and biosecurity; climate change and energy; empowered island communities and strong local partnerships; arts, culture and language; and education. The National Islands Plan encapsulates the islands as a whole with little breakdown for each specific island.

Marine Scotland Directorate published Attitudes in Scotland on the Marine Environment and Marine Issues (2019). This marine social attitudes survey provides data on, amongst other issues: leisure activities at the coast; environmental concerns; and economic and social values of the marine environment. This survey is from a national perspective, and not solely islands focused.

Do you need to consult?

Yes. The refreshed Marine Litter Strategy and Action Plan has gone through various stages of direct engagement with partners and stakeholders, including islands representatives. The first stage was to undertake a review of the first Marine Litter Strategy and to consider whether the overall aims and intent of the Strategy were still valid and relevant, and that the Strategic Directions (i.e. objectives) consider the correct issues. Review workshops took place in late 2019 and identified the need for some changes in the refreshed Strategy.

The second stage involved Marine Scotland Directorate working with partners and stakeholders to consider which areas were of most concern and what specific actions Marine Scotland Directorate could take to effect a positive change. Several online meetings were held during Summer 2021, with further input gathered by Marine Scotland Directorate in Autumn 2021.

Taken together, this initial engagement helped to identify priority actions that could realistically be achieved within the next six years, taking into consideration the staffing and financial resources that Marine Scotland Directorate and its partners have available.

Stakeholders engaged with included:

• Crown Estate Scotland
• Fidra
• Islay Development Initiative, representing islands and island views
• Keep Scotland Beautiful
• KIMO (Local Authorities International Environmental Organisation)
• Local Coastal Partnerships
• Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS)
• Marine Conservation Society
• NatureScot (formally SNH)
• Chairs of the Regional Inshore Fisheries Groups
• Scottish Islands Federation, representing islands and island views
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
• Scottish Fishermen's Federation
• Scottish Water
• Zero Waste Scotland

An updated draft of the Marine Litter Strategy was published for consultation from 29 December 2021 to 22 March 2022. Responses received have been considered and any necessary amendments will be incorporated into the final Strategy and the final impact assessments, including this ICIA.

How does any existing data differ between islands?

Data is available on the extent and composition of marine litter on islands. The majority of this comes from NGOs, volunteer surveys, or citizen science projects, and hence is not evenly spread throughout or between islands.

Through engagement with the new Scottish Islands Federation working group it is intended that monitoring of marine litter on island foreshores is improved and new actions can be considered relating to this issue.

Are there any existing design features or mitigations in place?

The Strategy contains dedicated actions to investigate the origin and impact of marine litter specifically on the islands. These include an objective, action, deliverable, responsible lead organisation, and timescale.

3. Consultation

Who do you need to consult with?

Direct engagement with partners and stakeholders, including islands representatives, was conducted prior to the consultation launch. Any member of the public or representative of an organisation who chose to do so was able to respond to the public consultation.

Stakeholders engaged with included:

• Crown Estate Scotland
• Fidra
• Islay Development Initiative, representing islands and island views
• Keep Scotland Beautiful
• KIMO (Local Authorities International Environmental Organisation)
• Local Coastal Partnerships
• Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS)
• Marine Conservation Society
• NatureScot (formally SNH)
• Chairs of the Regional Inshore Fisheries Groups
• Scottish Islands Federation, representing islands and island views
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
• Scottish Fishermen's Federation
• Scottish Water
• Zero Waste Scotland

How will you carry out your consultation and in what timescales?

A public consultation was conducted from 29 December 2021 to 22 March 2022 via the Scottish Government consultation hub, Citizen Space. During this time the Marine Scotland Directorate Communication Team promoted the consultation, including through a Ministerial visit by the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity in March 2022.

What questions will you ask when considering how to address island realities?

The Strategy contains dedicated actions to investigate the origin and impact of marine litter specifically on the islands. Each of these include an objective, action, deliverable, responsible lead organisation, and timescale. The questions ask to what extent the respondents believe (strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, or strongly disagree) that the actions will contribute to the achievement of the Strategic Directions.

What information has already been gathered through consultations and what concerns have been raised previously by island communities?

The vast majority of marine litter in Scotland originates from land-based sources e.g. on-the-go and fast food food packaging, smoking related litter, sewage-related debris. In contrast to this, some islands record the majority of marine litter that arrives on their shores originates from the Atlantic Ocean and from maritime industries, including fishing, aquaculture, and shipping. Certain island communities have highlighted that the majority of beach litter they have encountered is comprised of fishing and/or aquaculture related items, including nets, ropes, gear, etc. This information has been imparted to Marine Scotland Directorate through pre-consultation engagement with the Scottish Islands Federation working group. As a result, Marine Scotland Directorate initiated research into the specific needs of island communities with regard to the composition of litter and options to deal with this, and specific actions have been included within the Strategy.

Is your consultation robust and meaningful and sufficient to comply with the Section 7 duty?

Yes. Regard has been given to island communities through identification of island stakeholders, during pre-consultation discussions, during the drafting of the Strategy and Action Plan, during the completion of this ICIA document, in the preparation of the consultation, and in the promotion of the consultation.

4. Assessment

Does your assessment identify any unique impacts on island communities?

Yes. It is known that certain islands experience specific litter issues to a differing degree to some parts of the mainland, and as such the Strategy responds to this with specific actions designed to investigate and address these issues.

Does your assessment identify any potential barriers or wider impacts?

While we understand there are unique impacts on the islands from certain marine litter issues, the Strategy itself does not pose any potential barriers or wider impacts to island communities.

While we do not yet fully understand the wider impacts of marine litter on islands, this does not mean that the Strategy itself poses any barriers on or between islands.

How will you address these? You must now determine whether in your opinion your strategy is likely to have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities). If your answer is NO to the above question, a full ICIA will NOT be required and you can proceed to Step Six. If the answer is YES, an ICIA must be prepared and you should proceed to Step Five. To form your opinion, the following questions should be considered:

Does the evidence show different circumstances or different expectations or needs, or different experiences or outcomes (such as different levels of satisfaction, or different rates of participation)?

Are these different effects likely?

Are these effects significantly different?

Could the effect amount to a disadvantage for an island community compared to the mainland or between island groups?

No, it is not likely that the Strategy will have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities). The Strategy has taken into account that island communities can be affected differently by marine litter, or disproportionately affected by certain types of marine litter. To address these issues the Strategy includes specific actions, to be achieved by working in conjunction with relevant island organisations. These will investigate how best to assess and record marine litter found on islands, and how this data can continue to be used to address the different impacts that islands receive.

The Strategy as a whole will have a range of positive impacts upon all regions and locations of Scotland, regardless of their mainland or island status. The aim of the Strategy is to: reinforce support for existing actions which are currently contributing to our goals; and identify new measurable and achievable actions which can be completed within a realistic timescale. These actions are focused on: preventing litter entering the marine environment, in parallel with litter reduction and behaviour change actions to be achieved by the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy; continuing to support and raise awareness of actions to remove marine litter; and contributing to the overall aim of achieving GES as required by the UK Marine Strategy. All of these apply to all areas of Scotland, and all actions will benefit islands as well as mainland areas. In particular these include actions on: fishing and aquaculture gear, Port Reception facilities, plastic pellets, the Fishing for Litter initiative, microplastic monitoring, and all stakeholder co-ordination actions.

6. Making adjustments to your work

Should delivery mechanisms/mitigations vary in different communities?

Through Marine Scotland Directorate's engagement with the Scottish Islands Federation working group it is intended that monitoring of marine litter on island foreshores is improved and new actions can be considered relating to this issue, including whether there should be any variation in delivery or mitigations for different islands.

Do you need to consult with island communities in respect of mechanisms or mitigations?

The Strategy will put efforts into understanding needs of island communities. This will be done by consulting with island communities and working with these to develop relevant solutions.

Have island circumstances been factored into the evaluation process?

Yes. Island interests are represented within the members of the Marine Litter Strategy Steering Group (MLSSG), and this Group is responsible for evaluation of the efficacy of the Strategy and Action Plan.

Have any island-specific indicators/targets been identified that require monitoring?

The Strategy contains actions that will effect an increased focus on marine litter monitoring on island foreshores in order to inform future actions. These actions will themselves undergo monitoring and evaluation to assess progress.

How will outcomes be measured on the islands?

The MLSSG retains oversight of the Strategy and Action Plan, and the Scottish Islands Federation is a member of the steering group. MLSSG has the function to monitor the progress of the Strategy, evaluate efficacy of actions, and ensure delivery of objectives in a timely manner. This applies to all actions, including those related to the islands.

How has the policy, strategy or service affected island communities?

The aim of the Marine Litter Strategy is to help realise the Scottish Government's vision of a 'clean, healthy, safe, productive, and biologically diverse marine and coastal environment that meets the long term needs of people and nature'. This aim applies to the whole of Scotland, for both mainland and island locations.

How will lessons learned in this ICIA inform future policy making and service delivery?

Marine Scotland Directorate has acknowledged that islands experience impacts of certain marine litter types in a way that differs from the mainland. To this end, the Strategy and Action Plan were written to take account of this, and propose actions to help address this issue.

7. Publishing your ICIA

Have you presented your ICIA in an Easy Read format?

Yes.

Does it need to be presented in Gaelic or any other language?

No.

Where will you publish your ICIA and will relevant stakeholders be able to easily access it?

Online:

The Scottish Government website www.gov.scot

Paper:

Printed copies will be available on request from Scottish Government.

Who will sign-off your final ICIA and why?

Mike Palmer, Deputy Director, Marine Scotland Directorate, will sign off this assessment. As it is not a full ICIA, Ministerial sign-off is not required.

ICIA completed by: Anne Saunders

Position: Marine Litter and Contaminants Policy Manager

Signature: Anne Saunders

Date completed: 02/09/2022

ICIA approved by: Michael Palmer

Position: Deputy Director, Marine Planning and Policy

Signature:

Date approved: 5th September 2022