Scotland’s Parliament is seeking views on new government plans to prohibit and restrict certain fishing methods in 19 marine protected areas
The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee has launched a consultation to gather public opinion on proposed new rules for marine protected areas.
The Offshore Fishing (Prohibition of Fishing Methods) (Scotland) Order 2025 aims to restrict certain fishing methods in 19 protected areas around Scotland to protect marine biodiversity.
The proposed regulations would apply to ten Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and nine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). For five of these sites, all specified gear would be prohibited across the entire area, while in the remaining 14, restrictions would apply to specific zones. The order targets areas including the Anton Dohrn SAC, Braemar Pockmarks SAC, and Darwin Mounds SAC, with specific measures tailored to the unique features of each site.
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The committee is inviting views from all interested parties, including those in Scotland’s fishing industry, marine conservation groups, and coastal communities.
Finlay Carson MSP, Convener of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, stated, “We’re opening a short call for views to help us scrutinise the Scottish Government’s proposals… We’re keen to hear from you. Share your views on the proposals with us by Friday 12 September.”
The consultation is open until Friday, 12 September. Following the public consultation, the committee will hold evidence sessions with stakeholders and the Scottish Government to further examine the proposals.
