Marine consultation proposes 14 new Shellfish Water Protected Areas for Scotland seeking to enhance marine health and sustainable production
The Scottish Government has initiated a comprehensive consultation to review and expand its network of Shellfish Water Protected Areas (SWPAs), marking a crucial step towards bolstering marine environmental health and supporting the nation’s vital shellfish industry.
Launched in July 2025, the consultation proposes the designation of 14 new SWPA sites and the enlargement of one existing protected area.
Shellfish Water Protected Areas are strategically important zones established to safeguard waters from pollution, thereby ensuring optimal conditions for the sustainable growth of economically significant shellfish populations. This review underscores Scotland’s commitment to protecting its marine resources and promoting responsible seafood production.
The consultation document, titled “A review of Scotland’s shellfish water protected area (SWPA) designations: Consultation,” provides a detailed overview of the rationale behind this review. It highlights the dual benefits of these areas: maintaining ecological integrity and ensuring the long-term viability of Scotland’s shellfish sector.
Key proposals and information presented in the consultation include:
- New Designations: Identification of 14 distinct locations across Scottish waters earmarked for new SWPA status.
- Existing Area Expansion: A proposal to extend the boundaries of one currently designated SWPA.
- Review Methodology: An explanation of the rigorous process used for the initial assessment, including the specific criteria applied for both new designations and the potential de-designation of current sites.
- Impact Assessment: An invitation for feedback on the anticipated positive and negative impacts that these proposed changes, including both designations and de-designations, could have on environmental, social, and economic aspects.
The proposed sites for new SWPAs are:
• SWPA 87: Bay of Skaill: Westray
• SWPA 88: Camas a Chuilinn: Loch Linnhe
• SWPA 89: Colla Firth
• SWPA 90: Eilean an Atha
• SWPA 91: Hamar Voe
• SWPA 92Kildonan Oysters
• SWPA 93: Kyle of Durness
• SWPA 94: Loch Kanaird
• SWPA 95: Loch Sunart
• SWPA 96: Mid Noost Pacific Oysters
• SWPA 98: Swining Voe
• SWPA 99 : Urafirth
• SWPA 86: Ardmhor (If designated, the site will also incorporate the SWPA 72: Sound of Barra, which will be de-designated)
• SWPA 97: Mid Yell Voe (If designated, the site will also incorporate the SWPA 64: Mid Yell Voe East, which will be de-designated)
The existing SWPA site for potential expansion is:
• SWPA 100: Cat Firth
The Scottish Government is actively encouraging all interested stakeholders and members of the public to engage with this consultation. The feedback gathered will play a pivotal role in shaping future policy, guiding decisions on various proposals, and ultimately informing the final legislative framework before its implementation. While the consultation focuses on broad policy development, individual concerns regarding specific circumstances should be directed to the relevant public bodies.
Source: Scottish Government
