Publication - Consultation paper
Scotland's shellfish water protected area (SWPA) designations - review: consultation
We are consulting on the proposed designations and de-designations of Shellfish Water Protected Area’s (SWPAs), as part of work to meet a statutory obligation. The purpose is to identify areas where it may be appropriate to designate a new SWPA or de-designate an existing SWPA
Closed
This consultation closed 29 September 2025.
View this consultation on consult.gov.scot, including responses once published.
Consultation analysis
1. Overview
Shellfish Water Protected Areas (SWPAs) are designated zones aimed at safeguarding shellfish waters from pollution, ensuring the sustainable development of economically significant shellfish production.
It proposes:
- The designation of 14 new sites as SWPAs
- The expansion of 1 existing SWPA
- The de-designation of 29 existing SWPAs due to three continuous years of non-production within the designated area
1.1 Acronyms
- BRIA Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment
- FSS Food Standard Scotland
- SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- SWPA Shellfish Water Protected Area
- RBMP River Basin Management Plan
Contact
Email: waterenvironment@gov.scot