Since the late 1940s coastal planning in the Moray Firth, as elsewhere in Britain, has been carried out by appropriate planning authorities within the framework of the statutory development planning and development control system. In the formulation of plans and policies for the coast, regional and district authorities have responded to national policy guidelines and to the advice received from statutory organisations and others. Controversy and differences have been dealt with by consultation and by local public inquiries.

In safeguarding the coastline, particularly in the inner Moray Firth, planning authorities have had environmental management responsibility for oil and gas-related activities, recreational and tourist facilities, pollution protection and beach erosion. Continuing pressures and uncertainties about future prospects for oil and gas developments have also generated an unusual amount of administrative, survey and research activity at national, regional and district levels. However, the expertise and knowledge gained provide a unique and valuable information base upon which to prepare an overall coastal strategy.