Marine / Fishing industry and government agree on new measures for marine protected areas

“A hard-won victory for common sense and balanced decision making, which has been in short supply of late”.

This is how an agreement on fisheries management measures for the existing network of 240 marine protected areas (MPAs) has been described by the Shetland fishing industry.

These include restrictions on certain fishing activities that could damage habitats and species, such as bottom-towed gear.

The Scottish Government said on Monday that these new measures will come into effect from 16 October.

A detailed guide for fisheries management measure has been published here.

The measures, developed through collaboration with industry, scientists, environmental organisations and communities, include restrictions on certain fishing activities.

Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) executive officer Daniel Lawson welcomed the collaboration with the government before reaching an agreement.

“The fishing industry has worked with government to help develop Scotland’s MPA network over many years, and it is important not to lose sight of what MPAs are – and that they were designed to protect specific seabed features and habitats, rather than as a tool for fisheries management,” he said.

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“It’s essential that we as a society strive to find the sensible balance between conservation and sustainable use of the seas – in order that Shetland’s fishing fleet can keep providing healthy and low-carbon seafood for generations to come.”

Cabinet secretary for climate action Gillian Martin said: “With these new protections in place, Scotland’s marine environment will be better equipped to support thriving marine industries, protect food security and secure the ecosystem services that we all rely on.

“This achievement is the culmination of many years of dedicated, collaborative work across science, industry, environmental organisations and local communities.”

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) marine species team leader Declan Tobin described the agreement as a “landmark moment for MPA protection”.

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