A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) ensures that any project - public or private - which is likely to have an environmental impact is thoroughly assessed. Any information gathered is then made available to decision-makers for consideration.
A SEA is therefore a key component of sustainable development, focused on protecting the environment. It also extends opportunities for participation in public policy decision-making and increases transparency.
There are a number of distinct stages in the SEA process:
- Screening
- Scoping
- Consultation
- Post-Adoption
- Monitoring
Marine Scotland now has reponsibility for Marine Renewable Energy and more information about Offshore Wind energy is available through the Marine Scotland Offshore Wind pages.