We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Publication - Factsheet

Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas - High level Site Summary Details and Potential Impacts of Proposed Fisheries Management Measures

Published
14 September 2026
From
Director of Marine
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Marine and fisheries
ISBN
9781806432943

Overview of site and area details and potential impacts of the proposed fisheries management measures within Scottish Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) management areas

Supporting documents

18. Outer Hebrides and Hebrides Shelf Regions

Due to the complexity and large number of areas and sites, ecosystem services data has been produced at a regional level, allowing for a more consistent assessment across wider geographical scales while still capturing key variations in ecological, social, and economic value.

Table 57: Estimated Ecosystem Service Impacts of proposed fisheries management measures (over 20 years) for Outer Hebrides

Total value of changes in ecosystem services

Option 1 Min

Option 1 Max

Option 2 Min

Option 2 Max

Benefits

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Costs

Low

Low

Low

Low

Net Impacts

Small Benefit

Small benefit

Small benefit

Small benefit

18.1. Site: Monach Isles NCMPA and Monach Islands SAC

Protected features:

NCMPA:

  • Black guillemot
  • Marine geomorphology of the Scottish Shelf Seabed
  • Quaternary of Scotland

SAC:

  • Grey seal
  • Dune grassland;
  • Machair; and
  • Shifting dunes with marram

Dune grassland, machair, shifting dunes with marram, Marine Geomorphology of the Scottish Shelf Seabed and Quaternary of Scotland are not discussed further as they are not protected features for which fisheries management measures are required.

Feature conditions:

NCMPA:

  • Black guillemot - Unfavourable

SAC:

  • Grey Seal - Favourable

Conservation objectives:

NCMPA:

  • Black guillemot - Recover

SAC:

  • Grey Seal – Maintain

The proposed management measure for Monach Isles NCMPA and Monach Islands SAC is as follows:

Single Proposed Management Option:

  • Full site closure to pelagic seine (including ring-nets) set nets (including fyke nets) and hydraulic dredge.

Figure 108. Map of measures proposed:

Single option map of Monach Islands Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Monach Islands NCMPA. The area is largely shallower than 20m, becoming slightly deeper in the southwest and northeastern tip. There is a whole site prohibition of pelagic seine (including ring-nets), set nets (including fyke nets) and hydraulic dredge.

A full site level of protection from the specified gear has been identified as the only suitable option in enabling the achievement of the desired level of protection for the feature in question.

Overlapping sites included in this consultation

This NCMPA and SAC overlaps with the West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA.

Table 58: Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for Monach Isles NCMPA and Monach Islands SAC

Socio-Economic Impact

Single Proposed Management Option

Average annual loss in value of landings (£000s, 2022 prices)

0 – 0

Direct + indirect reduction in GVA (PV) impact (£000s) 20 years

0 – 0

Average (mean) number of direct + indirect jobs (year on year, over 20 years), Full Time Equivalents

0 – 0
Table 59: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for Monach Isles NCMPA and Monach Islands SAC

Environmental Impact

Single Proposed Management Option

Benefits within the sites/areas

Moderate beneficial

Spill over benefits

None

Displacement effects

None

Effects from other gear types

None

Estimated overall environmental impact

Benefit

18.2. Site: North-East Lewis NCMPA

Protected features:

  • Marine Geomorphology of the Scottish Shelf Seabed
  • Quaternary of Scotland
  • Risso’s dolphin
  • Sandeels

Marine Geomorphology of the Scottish Shelf Seabed and Quaternary of Scotland are not discussed further as they are not protected features for which fisheries management measures are required.

Feature conditions:

  • Risso’s dolphin - Favourable
  • Sandeels - Favourable

Conservation objectives:

  • Risso’s dolphin - Conserve
  • Sandeels - Conserve

The proposed management measures for North-East Lewis NCMPA are as follows:

Option 1:

  • Set nets (not including fyke nets) to be prohibited throughout the site apart from an exclusion zone that will allow tangle nets.
  • Full site closure to hydraulic dredge.

Figure 109. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Option 1 map shows the North-East Lewis Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (NCMPA) in Outer Hebrides. Depth shading indicates zones from 0–20 m, 20–40 m, 40–80 m, and greater than 80 m. Two hatched areas represent fisheries management measures. Larger area prohibiting set nets (not including fyke nets) and a small area prohibiting set nets (not including fyke nets and tangle nets). Hydraulic dredge is prohibited throughout the site. The legend explains site boundary, sandeel data points, which are spread across the site, and an inset map shows the site’s location within Scotland.

Option 2:

  • Full site closure to set nets (not including fyke nets) and hydraulic dredge.

Figure 110. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Option 2 map shows the North-East Lewis Nature Conversation Marine Protected Areas (NCMPA). The site exceeds 80m depth at its outermost extent. Sandeel records are evident thorought the MPA, largely towards the centre in Broad Bay and northeast and southeast of its mouth extending to the edge of the MPA. Sandeels are also evident in the northern extent of the MPA and along the coast south of Stornoway. There is a whole site prohibiton on set nets (not including fyke nets) and hydraulic dredge.

Overlapping sites included in this consultation

This NCMPA overlaps with the Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC.

Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for North-East Lewis NCMPA

No socio-economic impacts are anticipated for this site, based on available data in relation to:

  • Average annual loss in value of landings (£000s, 2022 prices)
  • Direct + indirect reduction in GVA (PV) impact (£000s) 20 years
  • Average (mean) number of direct + indirect jobs (year on year, over 20 years), Full Time Equivalents
Table 60: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for North-East Lewis NCMPA

Environmental Impact

Option 1

Option 2

Benefits within the sites/areas

Moderate beneficial

Moderate beneficial

Spill over benefits

None

None

Displacement effects

None

None

Effects from other gear types

None

None

Estimated overall environmental impact

Benefit

Benefit

18.3. Site: Shiant East Bank NCMPA

Protected features:

  • Circalittoral sands and mixed sediment communities
  • Northern sea fan and sponge communities
  • Quaternary of Scotland
  • Shelf banks and mounds

Quaternary of Scotland and shelf banks and mounds are not discussed further as they are not protected features for which fisheries management measures are required.

Feature conditions:

  • Circalittoral sands and mixed sediment communities - Favourable
  • Northern sea fan and sponge communities – Favourable

Conservation objectives:

  • Circalittoral sands and mixed sediment communities - Conserve
  • Northern sea fan and sponge communities - Conserve

The proposed management measures for Shiant East Bank NCMPA are as follows:

Option 1:*

  • All demersal mobile gear (demersal trawls and seines, beam trawl, mechanical dredge and hydraulic dredge) prohibited in part of the site.

Figure 111. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Option 1 map shows the Shiant East Bank Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (NCMPA) located in the North Minch between the mainland and the Outer Hebrides. The site exists on a bank between 40m and 80m deep. Circalittoral sands and mixed sediment communities records exist across the site, with two large areas of northern sea fan and sponge communities in the northeast and southwest of the area, and a smaller such area in the southeast. Point data evidencing northern sea fan and sponge communities exist within these large areas, as well as one point to the northeast of the northeastern large area. All but some small protruding areas in the northwest and south of the site is covered by a prohibition on all demersal mobile gear.

*This site will have static measures that may apply from the overlapping portion of the Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC. These are not shown on the map but will prohibit set nets (not including fyke nets) from the whole site.

Option 2*

  • Full site closure to all demersal mobile gear (demersal trawls and seines, beam trawl, mechanical dredge and hydraulic dredge).

Figure 112. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Option 2 map shows the Shiant East Bank Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (NCMPA) located in the North Minch between the mainland and the Outer Hebrides. The site exists on a bank between 40m and 80m deep. Circalittoral sands and mixed sediment communities records exist across the site, with two large areas of northern sea fan and sponge communities in the northeast and southwest of the area, and a smaller such area in the southeast. Point data evidencing northern sea fan and sponge communities exist within these large areas, as well as one point to the northeast of the northeastern large area. The whole site is covered by a prohibition on all demersal mobile gear.

*The measures for Option 2 proposals only come from gear types prohibited in non-overlapping areas. Overlapping restrictions may still apply from overlapping sites or areas dependent on the decisions taken for that site or area.

Overlapping sites included in this consultation

This SPA overlaps with the Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC.

Table 61: Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for Shiant East Bank NCMPA

Socio-Economic Impact

Option 1

Option 2

Average annual loss in value of landings (£000s, 2022 prices)

0 - 15.2

0 - 18

Direct + indirect reduction in GVA (PV) impact (£000s) 20 years

0 - 112.9

0 - 133.3

Average (mean) number of direct + indirect jobs (year on year, over 20 years), Full Time Equivalents

0 - 0.2

0 - 0.2
Table 62: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for Shiant East Bank NCMPA

Environmental Impact

Option 1

Option 2

Benefits within the sites/areas

Major beneficial

Major beneficial

Spill over benefits

Negligible beneficial

Negligible beneficial

Displacement effects

Negligible adverse

Negligible adverse

Effects from other gear types

Negligible adverse

Negligible adverse

Estimated overall environmental impact

Benefit

Benefit

18.4. Site: Loch nam Madadh SAC

Protected features:

  • Intertidal mudflats and sandflats
  • Lagoons
  • Large shallow inlets and bays
  • Otter
  • Reefs
  • Subtidal sandbanks

Otter is not discussed further as they are not a protected feature for which fisheries management measures are required.

Feature conditions:

  • Intertidal mudflats and sandflats - Favourable
  • Lagoons - Favourable
  • Large shallow inlets and bays – Favourable
  • Reefs - Favourable
  • Subtidal sandbanks – Favourable

Conservation objectives:

  • Intertidal mudflats and sandflats - Maintain
  • Lagoons - Maintain
  • Large shallow inlets and bays – Maintain
  • Reefs - Maintain
  • Subtidal sandbanks – Maintain

Conservation objectives:

  • Intertidal mudflats and sandflats - Maintain
  • Lagoons - Maintain
  • Reefs - Maintain
  • Shallow inlets and bays - Maintain
  • Subtidal sandbanks – Maintain

The proposed management measures for Loch nam Madadh SAC are as follows:

Option 1:*

  • Demersal trawl and seine, beam trawl, mechanical dredges and hydraulic dredges prohibited in part of the site.

Figure 113. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Option 1 map of Loch nam Madadh SAC in Scotland. The area is mainly composed of shallow inlets and bays, with some areas of intertidal mudflats and sandflats in the edges and the north of the loch complex, large patches of subtidal sandbanks in the south and smaller ones in the north, reefs in the southeast, lagoons around Loch maddy and in the northernmost part of the area and seagrass bed and maerl bed records spread throughout the middle of the site. Throughout all but the outermost area of the SAC there is a prohibition of all demersal mobile fishing gears

* This site will have static measures that may apply in part of the site from the overlapping portion of the Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC. These are not shown on the map for this option but will prohibit set nets (not including fyke nets).

Please check the Option 1 overlapping site map to see proposed set net measures under Option 1.

Option 2:*

  • Full site closure to demersal trawl and seine, beam trawl, mechanical dredge and hydraulic dredge.

Figure 114. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Option 2 map of Loch nam Madadh SAC in Scotland. The area is mainly composed of shallow inlets and bays, with some areas of intertidal mudflats and sandflats in the edges and the north of the loch complex, large patches of subtidal sandbanks in the south and smaller ones in the north, reefs in the southeast, lagoons around Loch maddy and in the northernmost part of the area and maerl bed and seagrass bed records spread throughout the middle of the site. All demersal mobile fishing gears are prohibited throughout the area.

*The measures for Option 2 proposals only come from gear types prohibited in non-overlapping areas. Overlapping restrictions may still apply from overlapping sites or areas dependent on the decisions taken for that site or area.

Overlapping sites included in this consultation

This SAC overlaps with the Sea of the Hebrides NCMPA.

Table 63: Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for Loch nam Madadh SAC

Socio-Economic Impact

Option 1

Option 2

Average annual loss in value of landings (£000s, 2022 prices)

0 - 1.6

0 - 2

Direct + indirect reduction in GVA (PV) impact (£000s) 20 years

0 - 11.7

0 - 14.8

Average (mean) number of direct + indirect jobs (year on year, over 20 years), Full Time Equivalents

0 - 0

0 - 0
Table 64: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for Loch nam Madadh SAC

Environmental Impact

Option 1

Option 2

Benefits within the sites/areas

Major beneficial

Major beneficial

Spill over benefits

Negligible beneficial

Negligible beneficial

Displacement effects

Negligible adverse

Negligible adverse

Effects from other gear types

Negligible adverse

Negligible adverse

Estimated overall environmental impact

Benefit

Benefit

18.5. Site: North Rona SAC

Protected features:

  • Grey seal
  • Reefs
  • Sea caves; and
  • Vegetated sea cliffs

Sea caves and vegetated sea cliffs are not discussed further as they are not protected features for which fisheries management measures are required.

Feature conditions:

  • Grey seals - Unfavourable
  • Reefs - Favourable

Conservation objectives:

  • Grey seals - Restore
  • Reefs - Maintain

The proposed management measure for North Rona SAC is as follows:

Single Proposed Management Option:

  • Full site closure to demersal trawl and seine, beam trawl, pelagic seine (including ring-nets), set nets (including fyke nets), mechanical dredge and hydraulic dredge
  • Longlines (until technical measures come into force) prohibited from overlap with the North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA

Figure 115. Map of measures proposed:

Single Option map of North Rona Special Area of Conservation (SAC), covering the reefs surrounding North Rona, and extending to 40m depth. There is a full site closure to demersal trawl and seine, beam trawl, pelagic seine (including ring-nets), set nets (including fyke nets), mechanical dredge, hydraulic dredge. Longlines (until technical measures come into force) prohibited throughout the site because of the overlap with North Rona and Sula sgeir SPA.

A full site level of protection from the specified gear has been identified as the only suitable option in enabling the achievement of the desired level of protection for the feature in question.

Overlapping sites included in this consultation

This SAC overlaps with the North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA.

Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for North Rona SAC

No socio-economic impacts are anticipated for this site, based on available data in relation to:

  • Average annual loss in value of landings (£000s, 2022 prices)
  • Direct + indirect reduction in GVA (PV) impact (£000s) 20 years
  • Average (mean) number of direct + indirect jobs (year on year, over 20 years), Full Time Equivalents
Table 65: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for North Rona SAC

Environmental Impact

Single Proposed Management Option

Benefits within the sites/areas

Minor beneficial

Spill over benefits

None

Displacement effects

None

Effects from other gear types

None

Estimated overall environmental impact

Benefit

18.6. Site: Sound of Barra SAC

Protected features:

  • Harbour seal
  • Reefs
  • Subtidal sandbanks

Feature conditions:

  • Harbour seal – Favourable
  • Reefs - Favourable
  • Subtidal sandbanks – Unfavourable

Conservation objectives:

  • Harbour seal - Maintain
  • Reefs - Maintain
  • Subtidal sandbanks – Restore

The proposed management measure for Sound of Barra SAC is as follows:

Single Proposed Management Option:

  • Demersal trawl and seine, beam trawl, set nets (including fyke nets), pelagic seine (including ring-nets), mechanical dredge and hydraulic dredge prohibited.

Figure 116. Map of measures proposed:

Map of Sound of Barra SAC in Scotland, showing conservation boundaries, depth contours, habitat types including reef and subtidal sandbanks. Maerl, maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers and seagrass point data is showing also. Hatched area covers the full site where all demersal mobile fishing gears, set nets (including fyke nets) and pelagic seine (including ring-nets) would be prohibited.

A full site level of protection from the specified gear has been identified as the only suitable option in enabling the achievement of the desired level of protection for the feature in question.

Overlapping sites included in this consultation

This SAC overlaps with the West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA.

Table 66: Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for Sound of Barra SAC

Socio-Economic Impact

Single Proposed Management Option

Average annual loss in value of landings (£000s, 2022 prices)

93.6 - 115.4

Direct + indirect reduction in GVA (PV) impact (£000s) 20 years

693.3 - 852.6

Average (mean) number of direct + indirect jobs (year on year, over 20 years), Full Time Equivalents

1.1 - 1.3
Table 67: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for Sound of Barra SAC

Environmental Impact

Single Proposed Management Option

Benefits within the sites/areas

Major beneficial

Spill over benefits

Minor beneficial

Displacement effects

Negligible adverse

Effects from other gear types

Minor adverse

Estimated overall environmental impact

Benefit

18.7. Site: Flannan Isles SPA

Protected features:

  • Fulmar – breeding
  • Guillemot – breeding
  • Kittiwake – breeding
  • Leach’s petrel – breeding
  • Puffin – breeding
  • Razorbill – breeding

Feature conditions:

  • Fulmar - Unfavourable
  • Guillemot - Unfavourable
  • Kittiwake - Unfavourable
  • Leach's petrel - Unfavourable
  • Puffin - Favourable
  • Razorbill - Unfavourable

Conservation objectives:

  • Fulmar – Restore
  • Guillemot – Restore
  • Kittiwake – Restore
  • Leach’s petrel – Restore
  • Puffin – Maintain
  • Razorbill – Restore

The proposed management measures for Flannan Isles SPA are as follows:

Option 1:

  • Set nets (including fyke nets) prohibited from February till end of August in areas down to 177m based on presence and maximum dive depth for guillemot.
  • Full site closure to longlines (until technical measures come into force) and hydraulic dredge.

Figure 117. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows Flannan Isles SPA, a large rectangular area surrounding the Flannan Isles. Across the area set nets (including fyke nets) are prohibited February till end of August, while longlines (until technical measures come into force) and hydraulic dredges are prohibited in the site year round.

Option 2:

  • Full site closure to longlines (until technical measures come into force), set nets (including fyke nets) and hydraulic dredge.

Figure 118. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows Flannan Isles SPA, a large rectangular area surrounding the Flannan Isles. Across the area longlines (until technical measures come into force) set nets (including fyke nets) and hydraulic dredges are prohibited.

Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for Flannan Isles SPA

No socio-economic impacts are anticipated for this site, based on available data in relation to:

  • Average annual loss in value of landings (£000s, 2022 prices)
  • Direct + indirect reduction in GVA (PV) impact (£000s) 20 years
  • Average (mean) number of direct + indirect jobs (year on year, over 20 years), Full Time Equivalents
Table 68: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for Flannan Isles SPA

Environmental Impact

Option 1

Option 2

Benefits within the sites/areas

Moderate beneficial

Moderate beneficial

Spill over benefits

None

None

Displacement effects

None

None

Effects from other gear types

None

None

Estimated overall environmental impact

Benefit

Benefit

18.8. Site: Mingulay and Berneray SPA

Protected features:

  • Fulmar – breeding
  • Guillemot – breeding
  • Kittiwake – breeding
  • Puffin – breeding
  • Razorbill – breeding
  • Shag - breeding

Feature conditions:

  • Fulmar - Unfavourable
  • Guillemot - Favourable
  • Kittiwake - Unfavourable
  • Puffin - Unfavourable
  • Razorbill - Favourable
  • Shag - Unfavourable

Conservation objectives:

  • Fulmar – Restore
  • Guillemot – Maintain
  • Kittiwake – Restore
  • Puffin – Restore
  • Razorbill – Maintain
  • Shag - Restore

NatureScot provided amalgamated season advice for this site but individual seasonality for species has been used to develop consultation options.

The proposed management measure for Mingulay and Berneray SPA is as follows:

Single Proposed Management Option:*

  • Full site closure to longlines (until technical measures come into force) and hydraulic dredge
  • Set nets (including fyke nets) prohibited in areas down to 65m (covers full site based on presence and maximum dive depth for shag. As shag are present all year this and site is shallower than other protected features maximum dive depths these do not need considered)

Figure 119. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows Mingulay and Berneray SPA, a rectangular area surrounding Mingulay and Berneray, extending as far as the coast of Pabaigh in the north east. The entire site is shallower than 65m. Set nets (including fyke nets), longlines (until technical measures come into force), and hydraulic dredges are prohibited throughout the site.

A full site level of protection from the specified gear has been identified as the only suitable option in enabling the achievement of the desired level of protection for the feature in question.

Overlapping sites included in this consultation

This SPA overlaps with the Sea of the Hebrides NCMPA.

Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for Mingulay and Berneray SPA

No socio-economic impacts are anticipated for this site, based on available data in relation to:

  • Average annual loss in value of landings (£000s, 2022 prices)
  • Direct + indirect reduction in GVA (PV) impact (£000s) 20 years
  • Average (mean) number of direct + indirect jobs (year on year, over 20 years), Full Time Equivalents
Table 69: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for Mingulay and Berneray SPA

Environmental Impact

Single Proposed Management Option

Benefits within the sites/areas

Moderate beneficial

Spill over benefits

None

Displacement effects

None

Effects from other gear types

None

Estimated overall environmental impact

Benefit

18.9. Site: North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA

Protected features:

  • Fulmar – breeding
  • Gannet – breeding
  • Great black-backed gull – breeding
  • Guillemot – breeding
  • Kittiwake – breeding
  • Leach’s petrel – breeding
  • Puffin – breeding
  • Razorbill – breeding
  • Storm petrel - breeding

Feature conditions:

  • Fulmar - Unfavourable
  • Gannet - Favourable
  • Great black-backed gull - Unfavourable
  • Guillemot - Unfavourable
  • Kittiwake - Unfavourable
  • Leach's petrel - Unfavourable
  • Puffin - Unfavourable
  • Razorbill - Unfavourable
  • Storm petrel - Favourable

Conservation objectives:

  • Fulmar - Restore
  • Gannet - Maintain
  • Great black-backed gull - Restore
  • Guillemot - Restore
  • Kittiwake - Restore
  • Leach's petrel - Restore
  • Puffin - Restore
  • Razorbill – Restore
  • Storm petrel - Maintain

NatureScot provided amalgamated season advice for this site but individual seasonality for species has been used to develop consultation options.

The proposed management measures for North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA are as follows:

Option 1:

  • Set nets (including fyke nets) prohibited February till end of September in areas shallower than 34m based on presence and maximum dive depth for gannet
  • Demersal set nets (including fyke nets) prohibited February till end of August and pelagic set nets prohibited February till end of September based on presence of guillemot and gannet and maximum dive depth for guillemot and gannet and maximum dive depth for guillemot in areas deeper than 34m but shallower than 177m
  • Set nets (including fyke nets) and pelagic seines (including ring-nets) prohibited in part of the site that overlaps with the North Rona SAC
  • Full site closure to longlines (until technical measures come into force) and hydraulic dredge

Figure 120. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA, two rectangular areas surrounding North Rona and Sula Sgeir. Two smaller rectangular areas surrounding each of the two islands are shallower than 34m, in these areas set nets (including fyke nets) are prohibited February to end of September. The outer extents of each area are deeper than 34m (but shallower than 177m), in these regions demersal set nets are prohibited February to end of August and pelagic set nets prohibited February to end of September. Longlines (until technical measures come into force) and hydraulic dredges are prohibited throughout the site. Pelagic seines (including ring-nets) prohibited in part of the site that overlaps with the North Rona SAC.

Option 2:*

  • Full site closure to longlines (until technical measures come into force), set nets (including fyke nets) and hydraulic dredge.

Figure 121. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA, two rectangular areas surrounding North Rona and Sula Sgeir. Set nets (including fyke nets), longlines (until technical measures come into force), and hydraulic dredges are prohibited throughout the site.

*The measures for Option 2 proposals only come from gear types prohibited in non-overlapping areas. Overlapping restrictions may still apply from overlapping sites or areas dependent on the decisions taken for that site or area.

Overlapping sites included in this consultation

This SPA overlaps with the North Rona SAC.

Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA

No socio-economic impacts are anticipated for this site, based on available data in relation to:

  • Average annual loss in value of landings (£000s, 2022 prices)
  • Direct + indirect reduction in GVA (PV) impact (£000s) 20 years
  • Average (mean) number of direct + indirect jobs (year on year, over 20 years), Full Time Equivalents
Table 70: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA

Environmental Impact

Option 1

Option 2

Benefits within the sites/areas

Moderate beneficial

Moderate beneficial

Spill over benefits

None

None

Displacement effects

None

None

Effects from other gear types

None

None

Estimated overall environmental impact

Benefit

Benefit

18.10. Site: Seas off St Kilda SPA

Protected features:

  • Fulmar - Breeding
  • Gannet - Breeding
  • Guillemot - Breeding
  • Puffin - Breeding
  • Storm petrel – Breeding

Feature conditions:

  • Fulmar - Unfavourable
  • Gannet - Favourable
  • Guillemot - Unfavourable
  • Puffin - Unfavourable
  • Storm petrel - Favourable

Conservation objectives:

  • Fulmar - Restore
  • Gannet - Maintain
  • Guillemot - Restore
  • Puffin - Restore
  • Storm petrel – Maintain

NatureScot provided amalgamated season advice for this site but individual seasonality for species has been used to develop consultation options.

The proposed management measures for Seas off St Kilda SPA are as follows:

Option 1:

  • Demersal set nets (including fyke nets) prohibited between February and end of August and pelagic set nets prohibited February till end of September in areas down to 177m based on presence of guillemot and gannet and maximum dive depth for guillemot.
  • Pelagic set nets prohibited February till end of September in areas deeper than 177m based on presence of guillemot and gannet
  • Full site closure to longlines (until technical measures come into force) and hydraulic dredge.

Figure 122. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows Seas off St Kilda SPA, a large area of waters primarily to the north of St Kilda, with some extesion south of the island. The SPA does not cover the waters immediately surrounding St Kilda, which make up St Kilda SPA. The area is mostly shallower than 177m, with only the northwestern portion of the SPA being deeper than 177m. In the deeper area pelagic set nets are prohibited February to end September. In the shallower remainder demersal set nets (including fyke nets) are prohibited February to end August, and pelagic set nets are prohibited February to end September. Longlines (until technical measures come into force) and hydraulic dredges are prohibited throughout the site.

Option 2:

  • Full site closure to longlines (until technical measures come into force), set nets (including fyke nets) and hydraulic dredge.

Figure 123. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows Seas off St Kilda SPA, a large area of waters primarily to the north of St Kilda, with some extesion south of the island. The SPA does not cover the waters immediately surrounding St Kilda, which make up St Kilda SPA. Set nets (including fyke nets), longlines (until technical measures come into force) and hydraulic dredges are prohibited throughout the site.

Table 71: Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for Seas off St Kilda SPA

Socio-Economic Impact

Option 1

Option 2

Average annual loss in value of landings (£000s, 2022 prices)

244.9 - 244.9

244.9 - 244.9

Direct + indirect reduction in GVA (PV) impact (£000s) 20 years

1,676.1 - 1,676.1

1,676.1 - 1,676.1

Average (mean) number of direct + indirect jobs (year on year, over 20 years), Full Time Equivalents

2.8 - 2.8

2.8 - 2.8
Table 72: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for Seas off St Kilda SPA

Environmental Impact

Option 1

Option 2

Benefits within the sites/areas

Major beneficial

Major beneficial

Spill over benefits

Negligible beneficial

Negligible beneficial

Displacement effects

Negligible adverse

Negligible adverse

Effects from other gear types

Minor adverse

Minor adverse

Estimated overall environmental impact

Benefit

Benefit

18.11. Site: Shiant Isles SPA

Protected features:

  • Fulmar – breeding
  • Greenland barnacle goose – non-breeding
  • Guillemot – breeding
  • Kittiwake – breeding
  • Puffin – breeding
  • Razorbill – breeding
  • Shag – breeding

Greenland barnacle goose is not discussed further as they are not a protected feature for which fisheries management measures are required.

Feature conditions:

  • Fulmar – Unfavourable
  • Guillemot – Unfavourable
  • Kittiwake – Unfavourable
  • Puffin – Favourable
  • Razorbill – Favourable
  • Shag – Unfavourable

Conservation objectives:

  • Fulmar – Restore
  • Guillemot – Restore
  • Kittiwake – Restore
  • Puffin – Maintain
  • Razorbill – Maintain
  • Shag – Restore

NatureScot provided amalgamated season advice for this site but individual seasonality for species has been used to develop consultation options.

The proposed management measures for Shiant Isles SPA are as follows:

Option 1:

  • Set nets (including fyke nets) prohibited in areas shallower than 64.5m based on presence and maximum dive depth for shag
  • Demersal set nets (including fyke nets) prohibited from February till end of August and pelagic set nets prohibited in areas deeper than 64.5m but shallower than 177m based on presence of guillemot and shag and maximum dive depth of guillemot.
  • Full site closure to longlines (until technical measures come into force) and hydraulic dredge

Figure 124. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows Shiant Isles SPA, a rectangular area surrounding the Shiant Isles, from the coastlines out to approximately 2km into the water. Most of the area is shallower than 64.5m, with some areas towards the edges of the SPA deeper than 64.5m but shallower than 177m. The northeastern portion, the southwestern corner, and two indenting areas in the west and sotheast make up these deeper areas. In the deeper areas demersal set nets (including fyke nets) are prohibited from February to end August, with pelagic set nets prohibited year round. In the shallower areas set nets (including fyke nets) are prohibited year round. Longlines (until technical measures come into force) and hydraulic dredges are prohibited throughout the site.

Option 2:

  • Full site closure to longlines (until technical measures come into force), set nets (including fyke nets), and hydraulic dredge.

Figure 125. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows Shiant Isles SPA, a rectangular area surrounding the Shiant Isles, from the coastlines out to approximately 2km into the water. Set nets (including fyke nets), longlines (until technical measures come into force) and hydraulic dredges are prohibited throughout the site.

Overlapping sites included in this consultation

This SPA overlaps with the Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC.

Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for Shiant Isles SPA

No socio-economic impacts are anticipated for this site, based on available data in relation to:

  • Average annual loss in value of landings (£000s, 2022 prices)
  • Direct + indirect reduction in GVA (PV) impact (£000s) 20 years
  • Average (mean) number of direct + indirect jobs (year on year, over 20 years), Full Time Equivalents
Table 73: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for Shiant Isles SPA

Environmental Impact

Option 1

Option 2

Benefits within the sites/areas

Moderate beneficial

Moderate beneficial

Spill over benefits

None

None

Displacement effects

None

None

Effects from other gear types

None

None

Estimated overall environmental impact

Benefit

Benefit

Contact

Email: marine_biodiversity@gov.scot

Back to top