Sustainable Marine Tourism

The Moray Firth: preparing the way for sustainable marine leisure, recreation & tourism development

In summary the project will achieve:
The provision of a comprehensive and comparative baseline dataset of current resources and uses of the Moray Firth that is required to inform the Moray Firth Partnership’s (and others') functions in Integrated Coastal Zone Management, and in terms of wider stakeholders, information requirements for future marine planning;

The identification of knowledge gaps and suggestions on how to acquire the information;

The provision of suggestions for further environmental management enhancements to help mitigate the effects of future increases in coastal population, developments, tourism and leisure uses, that will ensure the sustainable stewardship and best practice management of our valuable marine resources.

In brief, the project aims are: 
1) Set up a Working / Advisory Group to steer the project.
2) Build up the Marine and Coastal Recreation profile.
3) Populate and make available an electronic version of the “Moray Firth Directory” listing main organisations and businesses around the Firth, as well as relevant groups, clubs, associations, etc.
4) Undertake Marine Traffic Survey (incorporating recreational boat survey)
5) Undertake Marinas, Ports and Harbours facilities review
6) Survey and assess effectiveness of current bye laws, voluntary codes and other mitigation measures.
7) Create a register of Moray Firth Environmental Impact Assessments.
8) Undertake a licensing review - who licenses, what activities, where and why.

Additional project pages and updates on progress will feature soon.

The Sustainable Marine Tourism project is being funded by The Crown Estate and Scottish Natural Heritage.