Publication - Consultation analysis
Pilot Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan. Consultation Analysis and Modifications Report.
The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan is a pilot process undertaken by a working group consisting of Marine Scotland, Orkney Islands Council and Highland Council in advance of statutory regional marine planning. This report presents an
22. General Policy 8A: Noise
22.1 Summary of responses received
| Stakeholder | Count |
|---|---|
| Commercial | 0 |
| Fisheries and aquaculture | 0 |
| Individual | 0 |
| Non-governmental organisation | 0 |
| Public sector | 3 |
| Recreation | 2 |
| TOTAL | 5 |
22.2 Main themes
22.2.1 The majority of the responses received were to suggest changes to the text. Two respondents suggested removing or re-drafting Information Box 16.
22.2.2 One respondent (recreational sector) felt this policy as worded goes beyond the current UK policy as per the consultation on Marine Strategy Framework Directive Programmes of Measures which concluded not enough is yet known about underwater noise to implement measures.
Table 22.1 General Policy 8A Noise - Table of suggested modifications
| No. | Suggested modification | Action taken | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 214 | Para. 281. Delete 'due' from second sentence. | PARAGRAPH 281 (now 280): Removed the word 'due' from the second sentence. | In response to request. |
| 215 | Current UK policy as per the consultation on MSFD Programmes of Measures is that not enough is yet known about underwater noise to be able to implement measures, other than to collect more data. This policy goes beyond this policy and (other than for protected species) is an additional burden on developers beyond current requirements. | None. | Marine Strategy Framework Directive is aiming to achieve Good Environmental Status within European Waters and the proposed Programme of Measures is therefore on a different scale to development that may take place in the PFOW marine spatial plan. On the scale of developments in the marine environment it is standard practice, as part of the marine licensing process, to require noise impact assessments, mitigation measures, assessment of cumulative impacts etc. for projects that are likely to generate significant underwater noise. This policy does not go beyond current requirements. |
| 216 | Suggestion to remove Information Box 16 or use alternative text. Suggested alternative below: "Marine mammals are key sensitive receptors to underwater noise but, many other species (including fish and potentially some invertebrates) may be sensitive to either the sound (pressure) wave or the particle motion components of underwater noise. This is a complex subject with as yet limited understanding. However the, likely ability of different species to perceive noise of different sound pressure levels and frequencies can be predicted to some extent by applying knowledge of animal physiology. Expert advice should be sought to consider such impacts, the potential for physical or behavioural consequences and what implications there could be at the population level." |
INFORMATION BOX 16: Deleted. | Information Box did not add any extra essential information to the background text. |
| 217 | Suggested text change to 'This Plan will support developments and activities in the marine environment….' to acknowledge some activities such as wildlife watching don't require a specific licence but could have an impact on wildlife. | POLICY TEXT: First sentence changed to 'This Plan will support development(s ) and/or activities in the marine environment…….' | The change in wording includes activities that may not have specific consents. |
| 218 | The policy could support management of activities e.g. wildlife watching through codes of practice. | None. | Covered by change of text to first sentence in policy box. |
| 219 | Add report on Kyle of Durness mass stranding event. | FURTHER INFORMATION: Added following reference and link: Brownlow et al. (2015) Investigation into the long-finned pilot whale mass stranding event, Kyle of Durness, 22nd July 2011. http://www.strandings.org/reports/Kyle_of_Durness_Mass_Stranding_Report.pdf |
Additional region specific information. |
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