Photo by Andy Grayson
The Scottish Government has implemented new fisheries management measures protecting over 176,900 km² of Scotland’s 20 offshore Marine Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation from bottom-towed fishing gear. The restrictions, which came into effect on 16th October, represent a significant step forward for marine conservation but have sparked debate over the extent of protection provided.
Five sites will be fully protected from bottom-towed gear, whilst the remaining 14 areas will be zoned, meaning large sections remain open to trawling and dredging.
Calum Duncan, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Marine Conservation Society, who presented evidence to Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee earlier this month, said: “Although the final proposals have whole-site management for just five sites, rather than the 15 we wanted to see, there is still plenty to be supportive of. The entire Anton Dohrn seamount will now be protected from bottom-towed gear, another four sites will have whole-site measures, and more seabed is to be protected in Central Fladden and East of Gannet and Montrose Fields MPAs.”
Overall, 93% of the combined site area will be protected from bottom-towed gear, although much of this is in the West of Scotland MPA where trawling was already prohibited deeper than 800 metres. Open Seas have emphasised that protecting what remains and supporting recovery of damaged areas is vital, but the success of these new measures depends on effective monitoring and enforcement to ensure they actually work and support Scotland’s seas in recovery.
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) welcomed the measures, which they note were developed in collaboration with the fishing industry, scientists, environmental organisations, and local communities, giving fishermen a meaningful role in shaping the regulations.
Inshore consultation on horizon
With offshore measures now in place, attention is turning to inshore MPAs. A consultation on introducing similar measures at inshore MPAs is due to launch by the end of November, with conservation groups urging ministers to deliver comprehensive protection.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Putting in place the remaining fisheries management measures for inshore marine protected areas and the 11 priority marine features most at risk from bottom trawling will help to support healthy marine ecosystems and the industries that rely on them. We aim to launch the public consultation on the measures for these sites by the end of November. We will continue, as we have done from the very start of this process, to reach out and engage with all stakeholders and to support our coastal communities.”
The upcoming inshore consultation will provide another opportunity for collaborative working between stakeholders.