Views sought on marine protected areas proposal

The Scottish Government aims to protect marine biodiversity and conserve the marine ecosystem. Under new rules, the Offshore Fishing (Prohibition of Fishing Methods) (Scotland) Order 2025, the use of specified fishing gear would be restricted across the whole of five protected areas and would be restricted to defined zones in the remaining 14.

The order outlines that there will be 19 protected areas, ten marine protected areas and nine areas of special areas of conservation, affected by the regulations, including the Anton Dohrn SAC, Braemar Pockmarks SAC, Darwin Mounds SAC, Scanner Pockmark SAC and West of Scotland MPA.

Different measures have been proposed for different areas based on the sensitivities and distribution of protected features, and associated conservation objectives.

The consultation opens today and will run until Friday 12 September. The Committee will then hold evidence sessions with stakeholders and the Scottish Government to discuss the proposals.

Finlay Carson MSP, Convener of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, said:

“We’re opening a short call for views to help us scrutinise the Scottish Government’s proposals to prohibit certain fishing methods in marine protected areas and special areas of conservation.

“Whether you work in Scotland’s fishing industry, are interested in the conservation of our marine environment, or represent communities living on the coastline, we’re keen to hear from you.

“Share your views on the proposals with us by Friday 12 September.”