This service is managed by Planning and Regulatory Services
Research and surveys
The State of the Environment Assessment provides a 2020 baseline assessment of Orkney's marine region, covering its physical environment, historic sites, climate change, wildlife, economy and community value. It identifies pressures including coastal erosion, rising sea levels, pollution, marine litter, development and disturbance, and reports trends such as declining seabird and harbour seal populations.
Related resources
-
State of the Environment Assessment
This document contains a 2020 baseline assessment of Orkney’s marine region, covering its physical environment, historic sites, climate change, wildlife, economy and community value. It identifies pressures including coastal erosion, rising sea levels, pollution, marine litter, development and disturbance, and reports trends such as declining seabird and harbour seal populations. It also highlights the importance of fishing, aquaculture, harbours, renewable energy and tourism, and sets out data gaps and next steps to support Orkney’s regional marine plan.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
Marine and Coastal Recreation Survey
In 2022 our Marine Planning team carried out a Marine and Coastal Recreation Survey to better understand how Orkney's coastline and seas are used for recreational activities. The survey gathered information on where and when activities take place, the facilities people use and what additional facilities or improvements people would like to see. An interactive online mapping tool allowed participants to pinpoint the locations they use for recreation and the activities they undertake there.
Related resources
-
Marine and Coastal Recreation Survey Report
This document contains the results of Orkney Islands Council’s 2022 coastal and marine recreation survey, which gathered more than 550 mapped locations for 22 activities from around 200 people. It highlights popular activities, seasonal patterns, travel methods, facilities used, and the reasons people choose particular areas. Maps show activity locations alongside footpaths, anchorages, piers, beaches, public toilets, priority marine features and Scapa Flow wrecks. Locations were identified by the public and haven’t been checked for safety or suitability.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
Pilot Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan
The Pilot Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan has been replaced by the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan and is no longer used by public authorities when making planning and licensing decisions.
Developed jointly by Marine Scotland, Orkney Islands Council and Highland Council, the pilot Plan provided an early framework to guide marine development, activities and management across the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters area. It won awards from the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning in 2016 and the Royal Town Planning Institute Awards for Planning Excellence in 2017. Experience gained through developing and implementing the pilot Plan helped inform the preparation of the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan.