The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on further measures to restrict fisheries activity in Marine Protected Areas.

The consultation is in two parts:

• Part 1: Consultation of proposed fisheries management measures
• Part 2: Consultation of amendment to West of Scotland MPA boundary

Part 1 is on proposed fisheries management measures for 20 MPAs which occur wholly or partly in the Scottish offshore region.

Part 2  is seeking views and comments on the proposed amendment to the West of Scotland NCMPA boundary.

Scottish MPA Network (as of 2024)

MPAs in the Scottish offshore region, showing sites with measures proposed as part of this consultation (blue fill) and those where no measures are proposed through this process (yellow outline).

Following the conclusion of this consultation process, Scottish Ministers will decide upon the fisheries management measures to take forward. It is intended that, ultimately, orders under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967 will be the legislative mechanisms used to implement those measures. Once in place this will mean that infringement of the management measures will be a criminal offence.

It is intended that a scientific exception will be included in the orders to allow relevant and appropriate scientific survey work to be carried out within the sites as required. It is also intended that the measures will include a minimum transit speed of six knots for vessels operating restricted gears and a requirement that restricted fishing gear is lashed and stowed when within areas subject to relevant fishing restrictions.

Click on this link for more information about the consultation: Public Consultation on Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Click on this link to take part in the consultation which closes on 14 October 2024: Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Fiona Grahame