In early 2016 Scottish Government established fisheries restrictions in Scottish Marine Protected Areas to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems. The ‘mobile’ fishing sector (i.e. the part of the fishing industry most likely to be affected by these MPA) raised many concerns about the negative impact the restrictions could have on coastal communities. This report looks at […]
The Crown Estate in Scotland includes a diverse portfolio of property, rights and interests that influence many aspects of rural and coastal life in Scotland. This consultation is an opportunity to help shape the long term framework for the devolved management of the Crown Estate in Scotland and how the revenue should be used to […]
Anglers in Scotland will be shielded from increased costs. Proposals to introduce rod licences and a new wild fisheries levy will not be taken forward, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has announced. The Scottish Government has ruled out these measures as well as the criminalisation of freshwater fishing without written permission and proposals to overhaul the […]
This project has produced a descriptive catalogue of 81 Priority Marine Features (PMFs) that have been identified in the seas around Scotland. The catalogue serves as a reference for ongoing nature conservation action. Descriptions for each PMF (including component habitats and species where appropriate) comprise an image, distribution map and short text outlining the characteristics, […]
‘Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) welcomes the announcement today on the future of beavers in Scotland by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham. SNH chairman, Ian Ross, said: “The Scottish Government’s decision will see the return of a species which was part of our wildlife for thousands of years, before […]
A Consultation on proposals to establish the interim body to manage The Crown Estate assets in Scotland post-devolution Overview The Scottish Government is supportive of the Smith Commission’s recommendations to devolve powers in relation to the management and revenues of Crown Estate assets in Scotland, which are in line with policy objectives to ensure that […]
Scottish Legal News: RSPB wins legal challenge to put four Scottish wind farms on hold A bird conservation charity has successfully challenged plans to develop four offshore wind farms in the Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay. A judge in the Court of Session ruled that the decisions by the Scottish Ministers to grant consent for the construction […]
Scottish Government ‘Measures to conserve Scotland’s marine environment and protect important seabed features will be put in place, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead confirmed today. The Marine Protected Areas, (MPAs) will improve marine conservation, for example by protecting kelp and rocky reefs to reduce coastal erosion, and seagrass beds which capture and store carbon and provide […]