New £23 million project aims to protect Solway coast’s marine environment

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A £23 million project aims to protect the Solway coast’s marine environment.

The proposed Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP) will run for 10 years and involve local communities in taking practical action as well as creating economic opportunities.

Members of the council’s economies and infrastructure committee will be asked to agree to back a £9 million Heritage Lottery Fund application when they meet on Tuesday.

A report for members highlights the environment and wildlife present on the coast, including Scotland’s last surviving wild native oyster fishery, the wintering population of Svalbard barnacle geese and migratory populations of more than 20 species of European importance.

It adds: “Our coast and marine habitats support commercially important species and provide employment for many in both our commercial fishing and tourism industries.

“Increased focus on the nature and climate crisis, both in our region and nationally, provides new opportunities for green jobs both in the region and elsewhere.

“The project will raise the profile of these opportunities and provide signposting and training opportunities to ensure our communities can take advantage of these opportunities.”

Other aims are to look at nature based solutions to help communities adapt to climate change.

The council has been working on a pilot project, focussing on marine habitat restoration, which it is hoped will start in April and be delivered over the next five years by Solway Firth Partnership.

The SCAMP bid – which needs to be made by the end of November – has been developed by the staff from the successful Galloway Glens Landscape partnership and they could move to SCAMP if the funding bid is successful.

The funding application is a two-stage process, with the council aiming for around £800,000 for a two year development process.

There will then be a second bid for the remainder of the funds to be used over the following eight years.

Groups that have been involved in the bid, and who will deliver the majority of the project should funding be granted, include Solway Firth Partnership, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, Southern Uplands Partnership, Galloway Fisheries Trust, Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands, RSPB, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, and Crichton Carbon Centre.

The report adds: “The project will build on the work undertaken through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal marine pilot and the development of a marine research centre in Stranraer.

“The focus on research and action for habitats and species in the Solway will bring national research attention to the region.

“It will help develop coastal and marine nature finance markets to attract private sector funds to nature restoration in the region.

“Enhanced coastal infrastructure will help communities access healthy and thriving natural environments with subsequent health and wellbeing benefits.”

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