03 December, 2020
Iconic species protected by marine designations
NatureScot has today welcomed the designation of 12 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and four Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Scotland’s seas.
The announcement made by Minister for Rural Affairs and Natural Environment Mairi Gougeon gives additional protection to much-loved marine species including basking shark, minke whale and Risso’s dolphin as well as 31 species of marine birds such as great northern diver, Slavonian grebe, long-tailed duck, Arctic tern and kittiwake, bringing the coverage of the Scottish MPA network to 37%.
Eileen Stuart, NatureScot’s Interim Director of Nature and Climate Change, said: “The designation of these new sites sees some of our most iconic marine species - such as basking shark, minke whale and Risso’s dolphin included in the MPA network as well as foraging areas for internationally important populations of seabirds, divers and sea ducks.
“The Scottish MPA network now covers 37% of our seas, marking significant progress towards meeting global ambitions for marine conservation and ensuring a nature-rich future for Scotland, as well as offering locations where people can engage with and experience world-class wildlife.
“We are committed to working with others to ensure the MPA network and our wider seas are well-managed and monitored so that they can contribute to addressing the decline in nature, and help build resilience in the face of climate change.”
ENDS
Contact information
- Name
- NatureScot Media
- Telephone
- 0131 316 2655
- media@nature.scot
Notes to editors
The four Nature Conservation MPAs are:
North-east Lewis
Shiant East Bank
Sea of the Hebrides
Southern Trench
The 12 Special Protection Areas are:
Solway Firth
Seas off St Kilda
Seas off Foula
Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex
Moray Firth
Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch
Bluemull and Colgrave Sounds
Coll and Tiree
East Mainland Coast, Shetland
Sound of Gigha
West Coast of the Outer Hebrides
Rum SPA (additional feature to existing marine extension)
NatureScot undertook the site selection process based on the scientific evidence for the features in these MPAs and SPAs, presented this to stakeholders and provided formal advice to Marine Scotland.
We have provided guidance and advice to Marine Scotland and stakeholders on the conservation objectives and management advice for the MPAs and SPAs as part of our role.
NatureScot supported Marine Scotland in the public consultation for these sites, including public events, stakeholder meetings and ultimately provided our advice and recommendations on site designation/classification following consideration of the consultation responses received.
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. We work to enhance our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. Our priority is a nature-rich future for Scotland and an effective response to the climate emergency. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nature_scot
’S e NatureScot buidheann nàdair na h-Alba. Bidh sinn a’ neartachadh àrainneachd na h-Alba agus a’ brosnachadh dhaoine gu barrachd suim a chur ann an nàdar. Tha e mar phrìomhachas againn gum bi nàdar na h-Alba beairteach agus gun dèilig sinn gu h-èifeachdach le èiginn na gnàth-shìde. Tha an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh aig www.nature.scot no air Twitter aig https://twitter.com/nature_scot
