Scotland launches consultation on offshore marine conservation, aiming to protect and restore ecosystems with proposed fisheries management measures
The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation on proposed fisheries management measures for 20 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Scotland’s offshore waters.
These measures are part of a broader effort to protect and restore marine ecosystems, addressing longstanding commitments to safeguard these critical areas.
The consultation outlines potential restrictions on the use of specific fishing equipment, including demersal mobile and static gear, across 15 of the designated sites. In some cases, zoned restrictions are suggested, while full site-wide exclusions are proposed for five other sites where such measures are deemed necessary to meet conservation goals.
Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, emphasised the importance of these measures for Scotland’s marine environment and the communities that depend on it. “Scotland has beautiful and diverse marine ecosystems. However, the twin biodiversity and climate crises mean we must act now to support the recovery and resilience of our marine environment, and the sustainability of the communities and industries that rely on it,” Martin said.
She added that the proposed management measures would strengthen existing protections for species and habitats, helping to prevent biodiversity loss and contributing to the sustainability of Scotland’s marine ecosystem. “This will help ensure our seas remain a source of prosperity for the nation, especially in our coastal and island communities,” she noted, highlighting the extensive consultation process that will continue with industry and local communities.
The Scottish MPA network now encompasses more than 230 sites, covering 37% of Scotland’s seas. Each MPA is designated to protect specific features, from deep-sea sponge aggregations to cold-water coral reefs and ocean quahog, a clam species that can live for over 400 years.
Ellen Last, MPA and Fisheries Advice Manager at the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), underlined the significance of these MPAs. “Scotland’s offshore MPAs protect a range of important habitats and species, which provide ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and food provision,” Last said. She explained that the JNCC has provided statutory advice based on scientific evidence to help shape the proposed management measures, aiming to ensure that these MPAs continue to benefit future generations.
The consultation will be open until 14 October 2024, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to contribute their views. A subsequent consultation will address fisheries management measures for MPAs in inshore waters.