What is the Argyll Marine SAC Management Forum?

To achieve realistic voluntary management strategies for the sites it is imperative that the decision-making process involves representatives of those people living and working within and adjacent to the SACs, together with the relevant statutory regulators whose role it is to uphold the principles of the Habitats Directive. The Argyll Marine SAC Management Forum was established in February 2003 and includes representatives of local communities, businesses and relevant statutory authorities. It is the responsibility of the Management Forum to meet and discuss issues relating to the management of the sites and to agree management strategies. The strategies outlined in the Management Plan documents will then be implemented for each marine SAC.

How is the Management Forum Structured?

The Argyll Marine SAC Management Forum is comprised of four working groups: Recreation and Tourism, Fishing, Aquaculture and Business. The role of each working group is to assess activities that have the potential to impact the conservation interests of each marine SAC site and decide how to manage these activities in a sustainable manner. Individuals, organisations and relevant statutory authorities with interests in the activities carried out by each of these sectors are invited to comment and debate issues at working group meetings organised by the Argyll Marine Natura Project Officers. The statutory bodies advise on legal issues and procedures, and scientists who work within the boundaries of the conservation areas provide scientific advice.

To view the management fourm structure and the responsibilities of the statutory bodies click here

To view the members of the Argyll Marine SAC Management Forum click here