Abstract
This report provides a regional socio-economic baseline review of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters ( PFOW) area for the pilot PFOW Marine Spatial Plan. It addresses, on a sector by sector basis, all marine users within the PFOW area. This report informs the PFOW Sustainability Appraisal and provides a basis for future assessments that may be required in the area. There are many interdependencies between marine activities in the area that are critical to the viability of a wide range of services and jobs that greatly benefit its fragile coastal communities. The list of marine uses from Scotland's Marine Atlas has been used as a starting point as it provides a comprehensive categorisation of marine uses in Scotland's seas. The following marine sectors have been analysed:
- Aggregates and Dredging
- Aquaculture (finfish and shellfish)
- Aviation
- Carbon Capture and Storage
- Coast Protection and Flood Defence
- Commercial Fisheries
- Energy Generation (and offshore renewables supply chains)
- Military Interests
- Oil and Gas
- Power Interconnectors, Distribution and Telecom Cables
- Shipping, Ports and Harbours
- Tourism (including heritage assets)
- Water Sports and Recreational Boating