Scottish Fishermen’s Federation welcomes offshore MPA management measures, supporting biodiversity, sustainable fishing, and protection of Scotland’s seas
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of new fisheries management measures for offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
These measures will come into effect from 16 October and cover offshore waters between 12 and 200 nautical miles from the coast. MPAs are designed to protect nationally important species and habitats, helping to safeguard Scotland’s marine biodiversity.
Measures Aim To Protect Biodiversity And Support Sustainable Fishing
The management measures include restrictions on certain fishing activities, such as bottom-towed gear, which could damage sensitive habitats.
They were developed in collaboration with the fishing industry, scientists, environmental organisations, and local communities. Officials say the measures will help conserve biodiversity, support sustainable fishing, and improve resilience to climate change.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said,
“Scotland’s seas are an integral part of our national identity. This is a major milestone in protecting our marine environment.
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It’s important, now more than ever, that we address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. These new measures will help marine ecosystems to flourish and build climate resilience.
With these protections in place, Scotland’s marine environment will better support thriving marine industries, protect food security, and secure the ecosystem services we all rely on.
This achievement is the culmination of many years of collaborative work across science, industry, environmental organisations and local communities. I thank everyone involved for safeguarding these important ecosystems.”
Declan Tobin, Marine Species Team Leader at the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), said,
“This is a landmark moment for MPA protection, following fifteen years of collaboration. JNCC is proud to have supported the Scottish Government in developing these measures, turning science into action for a sustainable future for our seas.”
SFF Praises “Common Sense” Zonal Approach
The SFF described the Scottish Government’s announcement as a “common sense” approach that balances conservation with sustainable fishing.
Chief executive Elspeth Macdonald said,
“By adopting a sensible, zonal approach to management measures within offshore MPAs, the Scottish Government has remained true to the founding principles of these areas, which is to protect sensitive features without banning fishing altogether.
This followed a lengthy period of negotiation, with appropriate trade-offs, proving that constructive dialogue can lead to the co-existence of conservation and sustainable use.
We hope that this model can be replicated when introducing management measures in inshore MPAs and for Priority Marine Features and the Marine and Coastal Restoration plan.
The contrast with the UK Government’s approach to English MPAs, where bottom trawling is to be banned, is stark.”
Ms Macdonald added,
“Scottish Ministers have shown that when it comes to these MPAs, they have been willing to adopt common sense measures based on dialogue, compromise and trust.
It is high time that they followed suit on offshore wind projects, which in some areas threaten to squeeze the fishing industry out of existence on the scale currently planned.”
