National marine plan 2: engagement strategy

1. Ministerial foreword

This engagement strategy has been prepared to support the preparation and implementation of a new National Marine Plan for Scotland's seas (NMP2). The current National Marine Plan (2015) sets out the strategic policies for the sustainable development of our marine resources out to 200 nautical miles (nm), covering topics including offshore wind and other marine renewables, aquaculture, aggregates and shipping, ports and harbours. Since the first National Marine Plan was published, there have been significant changes in Scotland – including the Scottish Government's commitment to becoming a net zero nation by 2045, the impacts of EU exit and increased understanding of the impacts of climate change and human activity on the marine environment.

Widespread stakeholder participation and engagement with the general public is essential if we are to successfully deliver a new National Marine Plan for Scotland that helps us:

• deliver our priorities in line with our statutory targets;
• support sustainable economic recovery, and;
• protect and enhance the natural goods and services our marine environment provides.

There will be tough choices to make as we proceed through the planning process.

We want all sectors and communities to be part of developing NMP2, building shared objectives for the management of Scotland's seas.

This strategy sets out our overarching framework for engaging the people of Scotland, and beyond, over the next three years, as we develop and deliver NMP2. It sets out our approach to engagement, options for how we will engage with different sectors and communities, and timeframes for engagement during the different stages of the planning process.

The strategy will be updated regularly, based on stakeholder feedback and evidence collected throughout the planning process.

Mairi McAllan MSP

Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform