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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

19. Outer Hebrides Scottish Marine Region Proposed PMF Management Areas

Due to the complexity and large number of areas, the estimated socio-economic impacts of proposed measures 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. Some values may not be disclosed for confidentiality reasons, as it relates to the operations of fewer than three vessels. Sites with a proposed single management option will be option 2.

Table 76: Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for Outer Hebrides PMF Areas

Socio-Economic Impact

Option 1

Option 2

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

12.4 - 46

19 - 103.7

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

92.3 - 340.2

140.9 - 766.7

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

0.1 - 0.5

0.2 - 1.2
Table 77: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for Outer Hebrides PMF Areas

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

19.1. Single Proposed Management Option

PMF management areas will be closed to demersal trawls and seines, beam trawls, mechanical dredges, and hydraulic dredges. This is because the features present in these areas are sensitive to these gear types.

A single management option has been developed for the following 7 PMF management areas. Only one option was identified due to one of, or combination of, evidence (fishing activity or PMF related), boundary setting principles and compliance considerations.

19.1.1. Area: Sgeir an Fheidh (South Uist)

This was developed to include known maerl bed records and to accommodate additional fishing data provided.

Feature: Maerl beds

Figure 130. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows an area adjoining the South Uist coast with Sgeir an Fheidh in the northeastern portion. Two maerl beds are evident slightly southwest of Sgeir an Fheidh.

19.1.2. Area: Lochs Tamnabhaigh, Tealasbaigh, Reasort, and Crabhadail (Harris)

Feature: Maerl beds, maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers, northern sea fan and sponge communities.

The boundary was developed to encompass the records of these features and no additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management area.

Figure 131. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area for measures covering Lochs Tamnabhaigh, Tealasbaigh, Resart, and Crabhadail and the adjoining waters. The area's western boundary sits just east of Fladday in the south and Staca Liath in the north. A maerl bed record is found just east of Grèine Sgeir, with two maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers records in Loch Tealasbaigh. Two northern sea fan and sponge communities records are found on the Meall a' Chruidh headland just south of the mouth of Loch Tealasbaigh.

19.1.3. Area: Pabaigh, South-East (Sound of Harris)

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA for set nets (including fyke nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

Please check overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures.

This was developed to closely follow the extent of the seagrass bed polygon and no additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management area.

Feature: Seagrass beds.

Figure 132. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows an area extending from Traigh Baile Fo Thuath on the southeast coast of Pabaigh to be protected. A large seagrass bed occupies most of this area.

19.1.4. Area: Pabaigh, South (Sound of Harris)

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA for set nets (including fyke nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

Please check overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures.

This was developed to closely follow the extent of the seagrass bed polygon and no additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management area.

Feature: Seagrass beds

Figure 133. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows an area a short way off Traigh an t-Seana-chaisteil on the south coast of Pabaigh for measures. A seagrass bed extends across most of the area.

19.1.5. Area: Aird an t-Sruith (Sound of Harris)

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA for set nets (including fyke nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

Please check overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures.

This was developed to closely follow the extent of the seagrass bed polygon and no additional fishing data were provided within the proposed management area. Point data and polygon data for seagrass beds are shown in the map.

Feature: Seagrass beds

Figure 134. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows a small area north of Leverburgh where measures will apply. A seagrass bed is believed to cover the majority of this area, with a confirmed record of this in the centre of the area.

19.1.6. Area: Berneray (East) Sound of Harris

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA for set nets (including fyke nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

Please check overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures.

This was developed to include known seagrass bed records and no additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management area. Point data and polygon data for seagrass beds are shown in the map.

Feature: Seagrass beds

Figure 135. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area for measures extending southeast from Berneray over the neighbouring skerries and islets. Throughout this area there are numerous seagrass beds, and point records of seagrass, in particular in the centre and south of the area.

19.1.7. Area: Boreray and Berneray (North Uist)

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA for set nets (including fyke nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

Please check overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures.

This was developed to include known seagrass bed records and no additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management area. Point data and polygon data for seagrass beds are shown in the map.

Feature: Seagrass beds

Figure 136. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area for measures spanning the waters between Boreray and Berneray, stretching towards but not reaching the coast of Lingeigh. Seagrass beds are evident in the west of the area, with two large beds and numerous point records. A smaller bed is evident near the Berneray coast.

19.2. Two Proposed management options

PMF management areas will be closed to demersal trawls and seines, beam trawls, mechanical dredges, and hydraulic dredges. This is because the features present in these areas are sensitive to these gear types.

Two options have been developed for the following 10 PMF management areas. Option 1 reflects a smaller footprint that reflects one, or a combination of evidence (fishing activity or PMF related), boundary setting principles and compliance considerations. Option 2 covers a larger footprint that offers improved protection.

19.2.1. Area: East Loch Tarbert and Scalpay (Harris)

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC for set nets (not including fyke nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

Please check overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures.

Option 2 has a northern sea fan and sponge communities record not captured in Option 1 as this is a single, pre-2000, record.

Feature: Horse mussel beds, maerl beds and maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers and northern sea fan and sponge communities

Option 1:* This boundary covers a smaller footprint in two discrete locations, and excludes the most westerly northern sea fan and sponge communities record. A reduction was made to accommodate fishing activity as much as possible with suitable buffers applied around the protected features.

Figure 137. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows two distinct areas to be protected: the innermost part of Loch Tarbert, with its outer boundary just before Sgeotasaigh; and the southern, eastern, and northern coastlines of Scalpay. A horse mussel bed is found in the inner portion of Loch Tarbert, a maerl bed near Scalpay bridge, and northern sea fan and sponge communities on the eastern and southern coasts of Scalpay.

*The northern sea fan and sponge communities record directly south of the maerl bed record is completely covering the maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers record

Option 2:* This boundary covers a larger footprint including the most westerly PMF northern sea fan and sponge communities record.

Figure 138. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows two distinct areas to be protected: the innermost part of Loch Tarbert, with its outer boundary just before Sgeotasaigh; and the waters surrounding Scalpay. A horse mussel bed is found in the inner portion of Loch Tarbert, a maerl bed near Scalpay bridge, and northern sea fan and sponge communities on the eastern, western, and southern coasts of Scalpay. A horse mussel record is included in this option that is not included in option 1.

*The northern sea fan and sponge communities record directly south of the maerl bed record is completely covering the maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers record

19.2.2. Area: East of Mingulay

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the Sea of the Hebrides NCMPA.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for Sea of the Hebrides NCMPA for set nets (not including fyke nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

Feature: Northern sea fan and sponge communities

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint and is over two discrete locations closely following extent of PMF point records. A reduction was made to accommodate fishing activity as much as possible with suitable buffers applied around the protected features.

Figure 139. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows two distinct areas in the open water some 20 kilometres east of Mingulay, the northern of these contains some pinnacles rising to 80m depth. Throughout both areas there are northern sea fan and sponge community records evident.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint that offers improved protection.

Figure 140. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map a single area in the open water some 20 kilometres east of Mingulay, the northeast part contains some pinnacles rising to 80m depth. Throughout this area there are northern sea fan and sponge community records evident. This option joins the two discrete areas in option 1 together.

19.2.3. Area: Loch Aineort (South Uist)

Feature: Maerl beds

There are also northern sea fan and sponge communities records for the species (northern sea fan) present in Option 2, but they were not a focus for this area selection.

No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management areas.

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint, excluding the outer mouth of Loch Aineort and the northern sea fan and sponge communities records.

Figure 141. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures extending from the head of Loch Aineort to an outer boundary a short way west of Eilean Ailein. There are four maerl records dispersed throughout the area.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint that includes the outer mouth of Loch Aineort and two northern sea fan and sponge communities records which are not the primary focus for this area selection.

Figure 142. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures extending from the head of Loch Aineort to just beyond the mouth of the loch, with the outer boundary just east of Cleit a‘ Ghlinn Mhòir. There are four maerl records dispersed throughout the inner part of the area. A northern sea fan and sponge community record exists in the south of the mouth of the Loch, with another just north of the mouth.

19.2.4. Area: Stulaigh (South Uist)

Feature: Maerl beds

There are also maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers records present in Option 2, but they were not the focus for this area selection.

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint that more closely follows maerl bed records and habitat of a depth suitable for maerl beds. It also accommodates the fishing activity based on the data provided.

Figure 143. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows an area extending around the coast of Stulaigh and Glas-Eilean Mòr, and stretching to the South Uist coast. Numerous maerl bed records exist between Stulaigh and South Uist, with four more between Stulaigh and Glas-Eilean Mòr.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint including a maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers record and habitat of depths suitable for maerl beds to the east and south.

Figure 144. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows an area extending around the coast of Stulaigh as far east as Dubh-sgeir Mhòr and stretching to the South Uist coast. This option alsoe xtends further south than option 1. Numerous maerl bed records exist between Stulaigh and South Uist, with four more between Stulaigh and Glas-Eilean Mòr. Southeast of Dubh-sgeir Mhòr a maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers record exists.

19.2.5. Area: Loch Baghasdail (South Uist)

Feature: Maerl beds, seagrass beds, northern sea fan and sponge communities

Option 2 has a northern sea fan and sponge communities record not captured in Option 1 as it could be naturally protected by the topography here (stepped bedrock).

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint that more closely follows maerl bed and seagrass records and incorporates a record of northern sea fan and sponge communities. Additional fishing data were provided and have been accommodated where possible.

Figure 145. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows area for measures will extend from the head of Loch Baghasdail outwards just past Calbhaigh. A maerl bed record is evident inside the loch on the other side of the headland to the Lochboisdale ferry terminal. A seagrass bed is evident south of Calbhaigh, while northwest of Calbhaigh there is a second maerl record and a northern sea fan and sponge communities record.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint at the mouth of the loch that includes a northern sea fan and sponge communities record.

Figure 146. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows area for measures will extend from the head of Loch Baghasdail outwards just past Calbhaigh and a short way north of the mouth of the Loch. A maerl bed record is evident inside the loch on the other side of the headland to the Lochboisdale ferry terminal. A seagrass bed is evident south of Calbhaigh, while northwest of Calbhaigh there is a second maerl record and a northern sea fan and sponge communities record. A second northern sea fan and sponge communities record exists just north of the mouth of the loch, in the area not included in option 1.

19.2.6. Area: Loch Seaforth (Lewis)

Feature: Maerl beds

There are also northern sea fan and sponge communities records present in Option 2, but they were not the focus for this area selection.

No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management areas.

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint focussed on the maerl bed records towards the head of the loch.

Figure 147. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows area for measures covers the inner area of Loch Seaforth down a short way past Seaforth Island. Two maerl bed records exist in the strait just north of Seaforth island near Grigaspool.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint and extends to cover northern sea fan and sponge communities at the mouth of the loch. There is a northern sea fan and sponge communities record excluded that lies outside the boundary for this option as it is a record from 1988.

Figure 148. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Two maerl bed records exist in the strait just north of Seaforth island near Grigaspool and two northern sea fan and sponge communities records exist near the mouth of the loch near Rhenigdale.

19.2.7. Area: Easaigh and Ceilegraigh (Sound of Harris)

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA for set nets (including fyke nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

Please check overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures.

No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management areas.

Feature: Maerl beds, seagrass beds

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint composed of two discrete locations that encompass maerl bed and seagrass bed records.

Figure 149. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows two distinct areas in which measures will apply. One is southwest of Ceilegraigh running parallel to the island as far south as Langa Sgeir. In this area there are two maerl bed records. The other covers the southeast coast of Easaigh, the east coast of Celegraigh, and stretches southeast to the waters just west of Langaigh. There are seagrass beds throughout this area, with large beds on the Easaigh coast and east of Celegraigh. Several point data for seagrass beds are found in the southeastern extent of this area.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint that merges the two discrete locations in Option 1, and includes additional suitable habitat that could support maerl beds or potentially maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers.

Figure 150. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows a single area in which measures will apply. The eastern boundary runs from the headland on the east coast of Easaigh down to Langaigh, this area extends furthest westward in the north, surrounding all but the northern coast of Celegraigh. This area joins up the two discrete areas in Option 1. There are two maerl bed records southwest of Celegraigh. There are seagrass beds throughout the area east of Celegraigh, with large beds on the Easaigh coast and southeast of Celegraigh. Several point data for seagrass beds are found in the southeastern extent of this area.

19.2.8. Area: Rangas, Bhotarsaigh and Sursaigh (North Uist)

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA for set nets (including fyke nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

Please check overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures.

No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management areas.

Feature: Maerl beds

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint that includes the maerl bed records and uses simple boundary lines from headlands.

Figure 151. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures extending from just east of Sursaigh westwards to the North Uist coast, taking in Bhotarsaigh and the other islands between Sursaigh and the mainland. Maerl bed records exist both just off the North Uist coast and south of Sursaigh.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint with additional habitat of suitable depths for maerl beds.

Figure 152. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures extending from just east of Sursaigh westwards to the North Uist coast, taking in Bhotarsaigh and the other islands between Sursaigh and the mainland. This option extends further north than option 1. Maerl bed records exist both just off the North Uist coast and south of Sursaigh.

19.2.9. Area: South-East Barra and Vatersay

Feature: Maerl beds, maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers

No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management areas.

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint, that encompasses the PMF records and additional habitat at depths suitable for the PMFs. It partly follows the boundary of the Sound of Barra SAC in the north-east of the area.

Figure 153. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows two discrete areas for measures; a small area southeast of Vatersay and just west of Muldonaich, and a larger area running along the southeast coast of Barra starting east of Castlebay and running up to Bruernish, stretching a short way into the waters to the southwest. A concentration of maerl bed records is evident in the area near Vatersay, with two more concentrations in the southern tip of the larger area and in the eastern extent of the larger area, where three maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumber records are also evident. Within the larger area there are other maerl bed records scattered southwest of Aird Rubha Mor.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint offering improved protection. It follows the boundary of the Sound of Barra SAC in the north-east of the area.

Figure 154. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows two discrete areas for measures; a small area southeast of Vatersay and just west of Muldonaich, and a larger area running along the southeast coast of Barra starting east of Castlebay and running down to Muldonaich and up to Bruernish. This option also extends further northeast than option 1. A concentration of maerl bed records is evident in the area near Vatersay, with two more concentrations in the southern tip of the larger area and in the eastern extent of the larger area, where three maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumber records are also evident. Within the larger area there are other maerl bed records scattered southwest of Aird Rubha Mor.

19.2.1. Area: Sound of Taransay and West Loch Tarbert (Harris)

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for West Coast of the Outer Hebrides SPA for set nets (including fyke nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

Please check overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures.

No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management areas.

Feature: Maerl beds, maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers, Seagrass beds

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint which more closely reflects the known PMF records.

Figure 155. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures covering the waters east of Uidh, its western extend runs from Amhuinnsuidhe down to Uidh and across from the southern point of Uidh to Horgabost. Seagrass beds are found along the coast of Uidh and just north of Horgabost, with maerl bed records in the narrow strait leading to Tarbert and by Soay Mòr. Maerl or coarse shell gravel beds with burrowing sea cucumbers are also evident in the north of the area.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint, which extends to the southwest including additional habitat at depths suitable for the PMFs.

Figure 156. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures covering the waters east and south of Uidh, its western extend runs from Amhuinnsuidhe down to Uidh and across from the southern point of Uidh to Geo na Gainmhich. Seagrass beds are found along the coast of Uidh and just north of Horgabost, with maerl bed records in the narrow strait leading to Tarbert and by Soay Mòr. Maerl or coarse shell gravel beds with burrowing sea cucumbers are also evident in the north of the area.

Contact

Email: marine_biodiversity@gov.scot

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