Coastal Management Warning Issued

Coastal communities around Scotland will be hardest hit if the Scottish Government fails to properly manage Marine Protected Areas, environment charities have claimed.

Members of Scottish Environment LINK say a long-term approach to management will boost the viability and sustainability of Scotland's fisheries by protecting precious inshore habitats.

They have criticised Government plans which they say aim to protect only smaller patches of seabed from activities such as scallop dredging and bottom-trawling within some of Scotland's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

The coalition of environmental groups has also challenged official forecasts about the economic impacts of MPAs, arguing that many businesses and activities - including fishing - will benefit from the long-term effects of stronger protection.

It said that these benefits are not fully accounted for in the Scottish Government's assessment.

Calum Duncan, convenor of Scottish Environment LINK's marine taskforce and Scotland programme manager, Marine Conservation Society, said: We are simply saying: 'Don't Take The P' - the 'protection' - out of MPAs', and the campaign is gaining wide support.

These inshore MPAs and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) account for approximately 13% of Scotland's territorial waters, but current plans are to prohibit scallop dredging and prawn-trawling from around a quarter of that.''

He added: If we don't protect bigger areas from trawling and dredging now, then we are squandering the chance of a generation to allow our amazing seas to recover. We are making a strong social and economic case too.

Without proper MPA management, our coastal villages and towns risk missing out on the benefits of sustainable fisheries and a healthier marine environment.

We are urging people everywhere to call upon the Scottish Government to rethink its approach.''

Scottish Environment LINK's marine taskforce comprises the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust, Marine Conservation Society, National Trust for Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Ornithologists' Club, Scottish Wildlife Trust, WWF Scotland and Whale & Dolphin Conservation.

A public consultation on statutory management measures for inshore SACs and MPAs is running until February 2.

It covers 11 MPS and nine SACs.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: Scotland's waters are a vast and vital natural resource which also provide energy, food and recreation.

Marine Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation will help protect and enhance our marine environment, so that the rich diversity of life in the waters around Scotland, and the benefits they bring, can be enjoyed for generations to come.

The consultation on possible management approaches for some of Scotland's MPAs closes on Monday February 2 and we would urge anyone with an interest to respond to the consultation.

All responses will be taken into account before ministers decide on the best course of management action.''