The public consultation process on Scottish government plans to designate at least 10% of the country’s seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) has now closed, Net Zero and Just Transition Secretary Mairi McAllan has confirmed.
Work started this year to find the most appropriate locations for HPMAs before sites are designated in 2026, with the HPMAs aimed at building upon Scotland’s existing network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Once in place they will place strict limits on some human activities, such as fishing, aquaculture and infrastructure construction and protect all the marine biodiversity within their boundaries.
The consultation closed on 17 April, with McAllan commenting: “Proposals for Highly Protected Marine Areas, akin to those under development across the EU, are intended to offer a greater level of protection to our most precious marine life, allowing key species and habitats to recover, helping to tackle climate change, benefiting nature and supporting our blue economy.
“I recognise there is considerable strength of feeling on this issue – from those who support it and those who have concerns. It has always been our intention to develop these ambitious proposals in close collaboration with those impacted by them – in particular, people living and working in our island and coastal communities. That’s why we have chosen to consult right at the beginning of the process and why I have committed to now consider the responses to our initial consultation very carefully as we develop next steps.”
She continued: “I want to give my assurance that I am listening and absolutely recognise the value that Scotland’s fishing and aquaculture sectors play in contributing to our economic prosperity. I will visit coastal and island communities in the coming months to hear directly from those affected.
“At the moment, we are at the very early stages of developing HPMAs and are yet to consider where they might be located as part of a separate process. There will be further opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses to have their say on where and how we enhance our marine protection and I am determined to ensure that as many voices as possible are heard.”
As previously reported by WF, Salmon Scotland has urged Scottish government not to put politics before jobs when considering the HPMAs and a ban on aquaculture and fishing activities in these areas. It maintains there is currently no evidence that the proposed HPMAs will work and wants government to undertake an independent review to consider all pressures on the marine environment in a balanced way.
