03 Mar 2026
Loch Carron flame shell beds make full recovery after MPA designation
Photo by Ekaterina Zlotnikova Scotland’s largest known flame shell bed has made a complete recovery following the designation of a Marine Protected Area in Loch Carron, Wester Ross, a result that researchers and conservationists are hailing as a model for decisive marine protection. Two reports commissioned by NatureScot found that flame shell beds in the […]
07 Oct 2025
Dredging concerns raised after boats filmed in Scottish marine protected area
Photo by Jannet Serhan The Scottish Government is investigating after two boats were filmed allegedly scallop dredging in a marine protected area in the north-west Highlands. Footage shows the Dawn Maid and another vessel hauling up gear after being challenged in Loch Alsh, between the Scottish mainland and Skye. The activity was spotted on […]
24 Nov 2015
Welsh Government Is ‘unfairly loading’ consultation on scallop dredging
4.05 pm 24th Nov Update: The Welsh Government has taken down the online response form for its consultation on scallop dredging in Cardigan Bay. Hi there, Please see below an update to the press release sent earlier today: Update: Welsh Government closes scallop dredging consultation – but threat remains The Welsh Government has taken down […]
24 Aug 2015
Emergency Conservation Order for Wester Ross
MCS ‘After evidence emerged of a scallop dredger towing in a protected area, the Scottish Government has put in place an urgent Marine Conservation Order (MCO) to safeguard fragile seabed habitats off Wester Ross in northwest Scotland. From midnight Monday 17th August, all forms of dredging, including for scallops, have been prohibited in the Wester Ross Marine […]
24 Aug 2015
Scallop dredging impact – report published – the world’s largest ever fishing impact study
Scientists from Bangor University, working together with the Welsh Fishermen’s Association, Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales have published their findings from the world’s largest ever fishing impact study, funded in part by the European Fishery Fund. Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) was closed to scallop fishing in 2009. Research led by Bangor […]