Abstract
This document provides a Framework for the preparation of a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) for the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters. The purpose of the Framework is to define the overall three-stage process that we intend to use to develop the MSP. The document also presents the results of the first stage in that process, a baseline review of existing relevant information, identification of gaps in that information and recommendations on how those gaps should be filled.
This document incorporates the results of Regional Locational Guidance (RLG) for Marine Energy (wave and tidal stream) which is published as a Part 2 of this document.
In preparing an MSP all users of the sea and all aspects of environment must be considered. This Framework document therefore considers all sectors, and integrates the results of the RLG to provide more detailed consideration of the specific issues associated with marine energy projects.