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

dailyrecord.co.uk:

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.