Guiding Marine Restoration and Enhancement in the Shetland Islands

The sea is evident in every part of Shetland life, supporting local livelihoods through fisheries, marine tourism, and recreation, while also contributing to the region’s natural heritage and wellbeing. However, in some areas, marine life has been lost or degraded, and with it, a reduction in the benefits the marine environment can provide. Across Scotland, the UK, and globally, there is growing recognition of the need to restore and enhance marine ecosystems to ensure they continue to support both nature and people. Marine restoration and enhancement involve a range of actions aimed at improving the condition of the marine environment. This can include protecting vulnerable habitats and species, reducing pressures or disturbance, and actively repairing or rebuilding damaged habitats.

This document seeks to support a range of initiatives that could be supported by various funding sources, including government, marine industry and philanthropical.

Aims
- Establish a set of guiding principles to support marine restoration and enhancement initiatives.
- Identify key themes and corresponding potential opportunities for action for marine restoration and enhancement.
- Showcase case studies of marine restoration and enhancement initiatives in Shetland’s unique context.