Pilot Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan - Socio-Economic Baseline Review

1. Introduction

1.1.1 This report provides a regional socio-economic baseline review of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters ( PFOW) area for the pilot PFOW Marine Spatial Plan. It addresses, on a sector by sector basis, all marine users within the PFOW area. This report informs the PFOW Sustainability Appraisal and provides a basis for future assessments that may be required in the area. There are many interdependencies between marine activities in the area that are critical to the viability of a wide range of services and jobs that greatly benefit its fragile coastal communities. The list of marine uses from Scotland's Marine Atlas ^[1] has been used as a starting point as it provides a comprehensive categorisation of marine uses in Scotland's seas. The following marine sectors have been analysed:

• Aggregates and Dredging
• Aquaculture (finfish and shellfish)
• Aviation
• Carbon Capture and Storage
• Coast Protection and Flood Defence
• Commercial Fisheries
• Energy Generation (and offshore renewables supply chains)
• Military Interests
• Oil and Gas
• Power Interconnectors, Distribution and Telecom Cables
• Shipping, Ports and Harbours
• Tourism (including heritage assets)
• Water Sports and Recreational Boating