Scottish salmon industry relieved as HPMA plan is scrapped

In a statement, Net Zero Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “In response to the findings of the consultation, and as I set out in parliament earlier this year, the proposal to implement Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) across 10% of Scotland’s seas by 2026 will not be progressed.”

McAllan continued: “My thanks go to everyone who took the time to respond to the consultation and to those who have continued to engage constructively with me and other ministers over the summer. The government is firmly committed to protecting our marine environment and will continue to work closely with coastal communities and industries to protect Scotland’s seas for the benefit of all. As a priority this includes completing management measures for our existing Marine Protected Area (MPA) network and protecting our Priority Marine Features.

“I am determined to protect our oceans in a way that is fair, and to find a way forward that ensures our seas remain a source of prosperity for the nation, especially in our coastal and island communities.”

Salmon farming body Salmon Scotland has welcomed the announcement, saying the industry had repeatedly raised concerns about the proposal.
It maintained that closing 10% of coastal waters to human activity would impose an extra barrier on aquaculture expansion, which is already highly regulated.

“This confirmation is a huge relief for salmon farmers and all those who rely on our sector who were concerned about the impact on their livelihoods,” Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said. “I am grateful to all the MSPs who spoke up in support of our sector and rural Scotland. We once again commit to working with the Scottish government to develop workable proposals that safeguard both livelihoods and the marine environment on which they rely.”

According to Salmon Scotland, Scottish salmon farms support 12,500 jobs, many in coastal communities, and add more than GBP 760 million-a-year to the country’s economy.