Sectoral marine plan: post adoption statement

7 Monitoring

7.1.1 Section 19 of the 2005 Act requires us to monitor the significant environmental effects arising as a result of the implementation of the plan, policy or strategy, to identify any unforeseen adverse effects at an early stage and enable appropriate remedial action to be taken.

7.1.2 Considerable further research is required to prioritise and address current uncertainties and data gaps. The list below sets out the formal commitments to monitoring that have emerged through the SEA. Annex D brings requirements for data collection and research arising from this framework, together with the findings and recommendations from the HRA and SEIA, to provide an integrated framework for future work.

7.1.3 The following monitoring measures have been identified through the Sustainability Appraisal and consultation process:

• Project-level EIA and HRA to identify and address any potential adverse effects;
• Monitoring at a project-level (i.e. via licence/consent conditions) to identify and address any potential adverse effects (e.g. remediation notices, compliance notices etc.);
• Application of iterative plan review to ensure that the conclusions remain valid and up-to-date, including an Annual Forum (now to be undertaken through the Sectoral Evidence Group, with a call for evidence on at least an annual basis) and 2 year review cycle;
• Implementation of the Technical Advisory Group and Ornithology Working Group to explore knowledge and evidence gaps and how to address key gaps; and
• Formation and role of the Programme Board (was 'Governance Board') sitting above the Technical Advisory Group – and comprising Project Board members – to provide guidance to Scottish Ministers regarding Plan implementation and review.

7.1.4 These requirements are integrated into the Plan as the basis for continued iterative plan review as the Plan is adopted and subsequently implemented.