Please follow the links below for information on Marine Stewardship Fund Case Studies from 2004.
'Beneath the Waves' - The Wildlife Trusts' South East Marine Programme
During 2004 the ‘Beneath the Waves’ project gathered unique underwater footage to deliver a visually inspiring and lively video about marine life and conservation issues in south east England. The video is part of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s partnership project ‘Marine Biodiversity and Aggregates in South East England’, run through the South East Marine Programme. The project offers a number of environmental benefits, including raising public awareness of the region’s marine biodiversity and associated issues, providing opportunities for public involvement in biodiversity conservation, as well as championing the production of a regional marine Biodiversity Action Plan for the south east.
The project is funded by English Nature (through DEFRA’s Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund), The Crown Estate, The Environment Agency and the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association.
Shellfish Biotoxin Test Service in Shetland
The Marine Stewardship Fund made funds available in 2004 to establish a diarrhoeatic shellfish poisoning (DSP) monitoring service at Shetland Seafood Quality Control Ltd. Algal toxins bio-accumulated by shellfish can cause various forms of shellfish poisoning with DSP being the form causing most concern to Shetland mussel farmers. With Shetland producing ~2,210 tonnes of farmed mussels every year in an industry with a value of over £1.5 million, the costs in terms of time delay and risk of relying on current DSP testing services in mainland Scotland are significant. The establishment of a local monitoring service reduces sample transportation time, makes test results available to producers more quickly and greatly decreases financial and legal risks.
The contribution from the Marine Stewardship Fund enabled the establishment of this service by financing the first-year costs related to initial set-up and equipment.
Lesley McEvoy of the North Atlantic Fisheries College says that: "Without financial aid from the Marine Stewardship Fund, it would not have been possible for Shetland Seafood Quality Control Ltd to establish this very valuable bio-toxin testing service for Shetland's shellfish farmers, particularly in the present economic climate. The Crown Estate's swift response to the industry's request for assistance has been much appreciated by Seafood Shetland members."
GRAB Trust Beaches and Marine Litter Project
The Group for Recycling in Argyll and Bute (GRAB) Trust began a two year Beach Forum in 2005. The main aim of the project is to raise the profile of beaches along Argyll and Bute's 3,000 miles of coastline through the production of a beach guide providing information on beaches and local wildlife. The project will also co-ordinate and encourage local groups to get involved in the new projects to enhance and protect local beaches. Marine litter educational activities in local schools will also be undertaken, adding to existing GRAB Trust environmental awareness events.
Karen Judd said: "The contribution from the Crown Estate to the GRAB Trust's Beaches and Marine Litter project has enabled the educational and awareness-raising element of the project to successfully establish and gather momentum. In doing so, the project regularly engages with schools, community groups, and other stakeholders through a variety of channels such as workshops, presentations, a best practice guide (in press) and beach clean ups."
Marine Archaeology Seminar
In light of increasing recognition of the relevance and importance of marine archaeology The Crown Estate organised a one day seminar, in association with English Heritage and Wolverhampton University, to bring together government departments, seabed developers (the aggregates, renewable energy, ports and shipping, offshore cables industries) and marine archaeologists to explore the opportunities for factoring marine archaeology into offshore activities.
The presentations and discussions focused on existing and forthcoming legislation and protective measures for marine archaeology; the experience of industry sectors in developing new guidance and best practice for archaeological and heritage matters; the needs of seabed developers to ensure that marine archaeology is addressed within the development process; and identification of ways in which communication can be improved between developers and archaeologists.
The event was considered an overall success especially as many attending did not know much about marine heritage and archaeology, the legal requirements to protect and preserve it for future generations, and the ways industry is presently working with archaeologists to ensure offshore developments are undertaken in the most sustainable way possible.
NAFC MSc Student Bursary
The Crown Estate supported a fees-only bursary programme for the Mariculture Science and Technology Masters of Science Degree (MSC) at the North Atlantic Fisheries College, Shetland for three years between 2002 and 2005. 2004's student, Gareth Butterfield, successfully completed his course and started a PhD at the Institute of Aquaculture in Stirling. The 2005 student, Anna Neish, built on her BSc in marine biology and coastal ecology from the University of Plymouth, completed her MSc and is presently working in Shetland in an aquaculture related job.
back to top
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum Marine Code and Outdoor Charter
This project began by creating two independent initiatives; the Marine Code and the Outdoor Charter in 2003. Both place a strong emphasis on integration and partnership and promote the sustainable use of the marine environment by taking proactive measures to reduce the negative impacts of outdoor activities.
The Marine Code has developed a species and site-specific code of conduct in collaboration with powerboat operators, providing education and guidance.
The Outdoor Charter forms a partnership between organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors for the sustainable development of outdoor activities such as ‘coasteering’ and climbing. The project offers positive deliverables such as educational fact sheets, site cards and maps for sensitive areas.
For further information, please visit the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum website.
Portree Moorings Association
The Crown Estate granted funds in 2004, in collaboration with Highland and Island Enterprise and Highland Council, to the Portree Moorings Association (PMA) on the Isle of Skye to assist with the reorganisation of harbour mooring buoys. The existing moorings were put on trots to rectify their scattered nature and eight new visitor moorings were created close to Portree harbour. This is only part of a larger development plan in Portree that aims to accommodate more visiting boats and provide better facilities to PMA members.
In addition to the mooring realignments, we are collaborating with PMA to develop an environmental code of practice for its members and visitors to the harbour. Both parties are keen for this part of the project to develop, as responsible boating and protection and enhancement of the marine estate are key aims of both our respective organisations.
Peter MacDonald, Secretary of PMA said: "That prior to the reorganisation, we were forced to turn down applications for moorings because the area had reached capacity. This reorganisation has meant we can welcome even more boats and visitors to Portree. We would like to thank The Crown Estate for its generous funding."
Blairmore Pier
Blairmore pier was once a busy berthing point on Loch Long but over time progressively fell into disrepair. The Crown Estate was approached in 2004 by Blairmore Heritage Ltd to support the provision of improved facilities for disabled anglers and for the development of an 'information bothy' on the pier itself.
Our initial belief in the project latterly led to both Lottery and local government support for the structural repairs to the pier. The pier was successfully opened in May with a second event in July to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the structure. A special visit from the paddle steamer Waverley marked both occasions.
The pier now receives a weekly visit from the Waverley and is considered by locals as the main marine access point to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. In addition, the pier also acts as an access point for smaller boats, a site for local anglers and a place to visit for locals and tourists.
Firth of Clyde Forum Project Officer
As the land uses of the Clyde change, especially the inner Clyde which has historically been one of the great shipbuilding and industrial economies of the world, there are growing challenges to manage marine and land uses of the estuary. As a result, the Firth of Clyde Forum was set up in 1994 to promote an integrated approach to managing the environmental, economic and community resources of the Firth of Clyde. Through the development of a management strategy and the work of a Project Officer, the Firth of Clyde Forum has developed a framework for sustainable management in the Clyde.
The Crown Estate, in collaboration with several other organisations, has supported the core costs of the Project Officer, Julia MacPherson, from 2004 to 2005, with a recent extension until 2007. Key to the workings of the Firth of Clyde Forum, Julia is working hard at disseminating information and communicating with all the stakeholders through the newsletter and meetings, ensuring that existing projects continue their success. In appreciation of her support through the MSF, Julia believes that: "The generous funding from The Crown Estate has allowed the Firth of Clyde Forum to pick up work again following a year where funding problems meant there was no project officer in post. With this support we have been able to re-engage partners and continue with existing projects as well as initiate new ones."
For more information about the work of the forum, please visit the Firth of Clyde Forum website.
back to top
Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation Education and Interpretation Programme
Cardigan Bay supports a rich variety of internationally important marine animals and plants. In recognition of the importance of these valuable natural assets, parts of the Bay have been selected as a candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC).
Education and interpretation are identified as vital tools for engendering support for the site’s conservation. However, the results of an outreach programme and independent questionnaire surveys in 2003 indicated that the level of knowledge amongst the general public about the Cardigan Bay cSAC was limited.
These findings demonstrated the need for more vigorous awareness raising activities in order to promote the importance of protecting the features of the cSAC as well as encourage increased co-operation between users and managers.
Jamie Davies, the Project Officer: “Through the support of The Crown Estate’s Marine Stewardship Fund we are now developing an exciting, informative education and interpretation package to satisfy this need. The additional funding has given a considerable boost to the programme, enabling us to develop our own projects, as well as support the work of other local partners in promoting the need to sensitively manage our local environment for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.”
The outputs of the project include a roadshow, a schools project and an interactive exhibit at a number of busy coastal areas. Through the provision of such eye-catching and stimulating information, the programme will engender interest, support and involvement and so contribute to the good management of the marine habitat and its species of European importance.
This project will be managed by the Cardigan Bay SAC Project Officer. This post is funded by relevant authorities and the Education and Interpretation Programme will represent a distinct element of work. As a competent authority for the area, The Crown Estate’s contribution will fully finance the programme, both in terms of the Officer’s time costs and the materials necessary to deliver it.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
Argyll and Bute Coastal Framework Plans
Argyll and Bute Council, in line with European, national and local policy thinking, has been developing coastal framework plans in Loch Etive and Loch Fyne from 2004 to address the growing pressures between competing loch users (aquaculture, angling, transport, access, tourism and recreation). Now nearing completion, these plans will be used to identify the key users and activities in the lochs and will be key in guiding and informing future activities and developments.
The Crown Estate, Scottish Natural Heritage and Argyll and Bute Council are employing a Project Officer tasked with developing a local management forum for each loch. The Project Officer hopes to directly involve the people who live and use the lochs, and facilitate consultation with all stakeholders (businesses, residents and regulators) from where it is hoped that the real socio-economic and environmental pressures that each loch system faces can be identified. Any conflicting uses that are identified can then be solved on the basis of local need, good planning and environmental management.
For more information about the project please contact:
Kenneth Buchan
Marine Natura Officer
Lorn House
Albany Street
Oban
PA34 4AR
Atlantic Coastal Zone Management Plan
The Crown Estate supported a three-year pilot coastal management programme as part of the Atlantic Coast (Wester Ross) Project from 2003 until mid-2006. This is part of a wider European coastal planning and management project involving countries with Atlantic coasts (Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland, and England) developing integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) programmes in order to manage their marine resources effectively and sustainably.
The Project Officer developed a spatial plan for the management of the project area. The plan was developed with input from a community liaison group, representing all major stakeholders, and was subject to full public consultation. From Spring 2006 the plan will start its trial implementation period, during which monitoring and reviews will assess the effectiveness both of the plan and the process. Comparative studies between this project and similar coastal planning exercises in Norway will be undertaken to maximise the lessons learnt through the project.
As a demonstration project, the Atlantic Coastal Zone Management Plan is another opportunity to help further develop Scottish ICZM. The lessons learned are likely to be transferable and thus provide a model for the management of other areas of Scotland’s coast and inshore waters.
For more information on the project please contact The Project Officer:
Colin Wishart
Senior Planner
Highland Council
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness
IV3 5NX
back to top
|
