The Scottish Government has launched a new consultation on proposed measures to protect some of Scotland’s most important and fragile marine environments.
A 12 week public consultation has been launched about the Scottish Government’s new management proposals for 11 recently-designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and nine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in inshore waters.
The sites are home to a range of iconic and rare species including flameshell beds, feather stars and common skate and reefs and have been identified as having the highest priority for management measures.
As well as inviting responses on the Scottish Government website, a series of 14 drop-in events are being held around the country as part of the consultation.
Launching the consultation, Scotland’s Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
“Scotland’s seas are a vast and vital natural resource and it is our duty to protect and enhance it for future generations. Through our network of MPAs, we have already identified which sites should be protected – now we want to hear views on the new management proposals."
“Our proposals for these 20 high priority sites have been developed following discussions with the fishing industry, environmental organisations and local authorities and are designed to ensure that the conservation objectives for each site are met, in line with expert advice from Scottish Natural Heritage."
“This consultation is an opportunity for anyone who is interested in the protection of our seas to express their views about our proposals, and we are keen to hear from as many people as possible.”
Scotland’s MPA network consist of MPAs, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protected Areas (SPAs) for wild birds and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in the intertidal area.
In July 2014 the Scottish Government designated 30 Marine Protected Areas in July which aim to protect a range of important biodiversity features. Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are designated under the EU Habitats Directive and include areas on land and in the sea and protect marine habitats and species such as seals and reefs.
A further consultation regarding proposed management measures for the other protected areas will be held in due course.
Click here to access the consultation online – deadline for submission of responses is 2nd February 2015.
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