04 Feb 2025
The Scottish Government has published a new report presenting an analysis of responses to the consultation on proposed fisheries management measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The consultation took place between August and October 2024, seeking stakeholder input on the implementation of management measures across 20 MPAs and amending the boundary of the […]
21 Jan 2025
Back in early 2024 the UK and Scottish Governments introduced a ban on sandeel fishing in Scottish waters and English waters of the North Sea in a move conservationists hailed as critical for saving the UK’s globally important seabird colonies. Now a challenge from the EU on the ban is set to be heard in […]
21 Jan 2025
The Scottish government has been criticised for its “slow progress” on regulating the salmon farming industry by a parliamentary inquiry held by the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee. The report reveals that MSPs “seriously considered” calling for a moratorium on new farms and expansion of existing sites due to concerns over persistently high salmon mortality rates but […]
30 Dec 2024
Scottish fishing chiefs have warned their industry faces a twin threat to its future in 2025. Offshore wind farms in the North Sea and the prime minister’s ambitions to “reset” relations between the UK and European Union are major dangers for the sector, they say. Scotland’s fishing sector is at risk of being “crushed” unless […]
17 Dec 2024
Record funding of £150 million capital investment from the Scottish Government will support the growth of the offshore wind sector and support thousands of well-paid, green jobs across Scotland over the next decade. Overall strategic investment of up to £500 million over five years is expected to boost private investment in the sector by up […]
17 Dec 2024
Climate change, invasive non-native species such as brown rat, food shortages and other pressures are contributing to the dramatic declines seen in seabird numbers. Almost two thirds of Scotland’s seabird species have declined over the last 20 years, with eight including the Arctic tern, kittiwake and black-headed gull declining by more than 50%. The draft […]
10 Dec 2024
A young people’s charity has been “highly commended” for their fight to protect Scotland’s seas by the RSPB’s prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards in the Youth Action category. The annual awards event recognises individuals and organisations making a difference in communities, schools and businesses to support Scotland’s wildlife and natural environment. This year’s nominations for the Youth Action category […]
03 Dec 2024
The Scottish Government has published the response to its March 2024 consultation on legislative proposals for marine nature restoration. The consultation explored two related legislative proposals: 1) To take powers to introduce a registration process for marine restoration projects that fall below a threshold of environmental impact, in lieu of having to apply for a […]
Prev