The Management Scheme for the Papa Stour cSAC
The development of management schemes for marine SACs is an important part in the implementation of the Habitats Directive. The process for the development of management schemes in Shetland is outlined in a decision flowchart.

Once a marine SAC has been identified, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) as the relevant conservation agency, is responsible for developing the conservation objectives and advice on operations which may cause deterioration or disturbance to the site's conservation features.

Conservation Objectives are short statements that set out the aims of the cSAC. They relate directly to the conservation features of a site, so in the case of Papa Stour marine cSAC they relate to the reefs and submerged and partly submerged sea caves.

The advice on operations provided by SNH is intended to focus attention on issues relating to activities that are being carried out within or adjacent to Papa Stour cSAC. The advice will also highlight operations that are not taking place at present but could take place in the future. From this advice the Advisory Panel can then begin to develop any appropriate management measures needed to maintain the conservation features of the cSAC.

Monitoring work carried out by the various relevant authorities will enable the Advisory Panel to assess the effectiveness of any management measures employed. The management scheme for the cSAC can then be reviewed by the panel and any necessary changes can be made.

In this way the management scheme for Papa Stour marine cSAC will provide a means by which the relevant authorities and the Advisory Panel can assess whether the conservation objectives for the site are being achieved. It will help to determine whether the reefs and submerged and partly submerged sea caves are being maintained in a favourable condition.

 

The Advisory Panel for the Papa Stour cSAC
The Marine SAC Advisory Panel has been set up by Shetland Islands Council to consider issues relating to Papa Stour and the other cSACs in Shetland, and to develop management schemes for these sites. The members represent the different relevant competent authorities, interest and user groups connected with the marine cSACs.

The Shetland Marine SAC Advisory Panel includes representatives from the following organisations: