Berwickshire SSMEI
The Berwickshire SSMEI pilot is funded by the Scottish Government, Scottish Borders Council (SBC), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), and the Scottish Borders Leader+ Programme. It is coordinated by Scottish Borders Council. The pilot is made up of a local Steering Group and a full-time project officer. The Berwickshire coast has a long history of marine resource use, with the main communities of St Abbs, Coldingham, Eyemouth and Burnmouth (links to external websites) traditionally relying on fishing as the main source of employment. Achieving a balance between old and new marine resource users (such as recreation and tourism) presents a challenge for management.
In addition to the sea’s economic importance to the area, the natural heritage of the coastline is rich. There are several voluntary, national and international nature conservation designations.
The aim of this pilot is therefore to promote and encourage more sustainable management of the marine environment through enhanced community engagement and participation.
The Berwickshire pilot steering group is made up of a wide variety of local stakeholders, including councillors, council employees, representatives from the local St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve, SNH, Scottish Government's Marine Management Division, the fishing industry, Scottish Enterprise (SE), local tourism interests and VisitScotland Borders.
The pilot commenced in May 2006 with the appointment of a project officer.
More information on pilot initiatives can be downloaded. Minutes of steering group meetings and project news can be accessed.
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