Plans for Highly Protected Marine Areas won't be progressed by 2026
Fishing communities previously criticised HPMAs, which would restrict fishing in 10% of Scotland's seas.
Last updated 29th Jun 2023
The Scottish Government has dropped its controversial plans to restrict fishing in 10% of Scotland's waters following an uproar from coastal communities.
Net-Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan announced the plan to introduce highly protected marine areas (HPMAs) by 2026 will no longer go ahead.
Instead, she said a new way forward will be developed with a view to making Scotland "nature-positive" by 2030.
Groups representing fishing industries were strongly opposed to the HPMA proposals and some SNP MSPs joined in the criticism.
Ms McAllan stressed the need to prevent damage to marine ecosystems.
She told MSPs: "I have listened intently and am in no doubt of the strong views both for and against.
"But if there has been one consistent point of consensus, it is that doing nothing is not an option.
"In fact, we know from a recent Government-funded survey that 85% of Scottish respondents consider protecting the marine environment as important to them.
"I can confirm today that the proposal as consulted on will not be progressed.
"This means we will no longer seek to implement HPMAs across 10% of Scotland's seas by 2026."
She said the Government will develop a "new pathway and timetable", in line with plans to make Scotland "nature-positive" by 2030.
Conservative MSPs said there should be a more comprehensive commitment to scrap the proposals.
Rachael Hamilton said HPMAs had been "universally" opposed by the communities they affected.
Finlay Carson asked if the minister would apologise.
Ms McAllan told him she takes the matter "exceptionally seriously", adding: "Regardless of politicking from the Conservatives, I will continue to do that."
Fishing group welcome update
Scottish Fishermen’s Federation Chief Executive Elspeth Macdonald says work is needed to ensure that the same policy isn't introduced "by the back door."
She said: "We welcome that the Scottish Government appears to have listened to businesses and communities and recognised that its policy on Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) covering at least 10% of our seas is flawed and should be scrapped.
“Ministers will now need to re-assure people that they are not simply intent on introducing the same policy by the back door.
"The seafood sector has set out a clear pathway on how we can work with Government to strike the right balance between nature conservation and sustainable use, and the test for government now is to deliver upon that."