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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

24. West Highlands 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 115: Estimated Socio-economic impacts of proposed measures for West Highland PMF Areas

Socio-Economic Impact

Option 1

Option 2

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

11.8 - 82.6

20.7 - 136.6

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

87.2 - 610.1

153.1 - 1,008.8

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

0.1 - 0.9

0.2 - 1.5
Table 116: Estimated Environmental impacts of proposed fisheries management measures for West Highland 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

24.1. 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. No reduced spatial alternative.

A single management option has been developed for the following 12 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.

24.1.1. Area: Loch Scavaig (Skye)

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 map below.

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

Additional fishing activity data were provided and adjustments made to the 2018 area’s boundary to reduce the area as much as possible whilst maintaining adequate buffers around the PMF records.

Maerl bed records at the area boundary have not had buffers applied as these were from a 2024 survey which was only available after the area was finalised for consultation.

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

Figure 213. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the coast of out to two large skerries within Loch Scavaig. There is a cluster of maerl records from the coast out to the skerries, another cluster nearer the coast just east of these and one single record in a bay north of those. 1 maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers record in a narrow channel north of a skerry and between the coast. 4 northern sea fan and sponge communities records situated closer to the skerries.

24.1.2. Area: Loch Eil (Lochaber)

Feature: Horse mussel beds

There are also intertidal blue mussel records present, but they were not considered part of this process due to there being no overlaps with bottom-contacting fisheries and intertidal mussel beds.

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

Figure 214. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the head of the loch, extending south partially to Fort William and further West to the Loch Eil Outward Bound train station. There are 7 horse mussel records near the Loch Eil train station and 5 other records near the head of the loch. There are also 2 blue mussel records at the mouth of the loch although the area was not proposed for these.

24.1.3. Area: Loch Leven, Ballachullish (Lochaber)

The boundary of the 2018 area was brought to the narrows to encompass the PMF records more closely. No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management area.

Feature: Horse mussel beds, flame shell beds

Figure 215. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the head of the loch to the Ballachulish Bridge. There are a cluster of horse mussel records near bridge and one other about halfway in between the head of the loch and the bridge. There are also 2 flame shell records on the south side of the loch near Ballachulish Peninsula.

24.1.4. Area: Loch nan Ceall (Arisaig)

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 map below.

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

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

Feature: Maerl beds

Figure 216. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the head of the loch to headland north of Rhu Point beach and cutting across to the northern point encompassing the Arisaig skerries. There are 5 maerl records at different points from the skerries along the southern coast of the proposed area to about hallway in between the skerries and the head of the loch.

24.1.5. Area: Loch Sligachan (Skye)

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 map below.

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

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

Feature: Horse mussel beds, flame shell beds

There are also intertidal seagrass and blue mussel beds present, but they were not considered as part of this process due to there being no overlaps with bottom-contacting fisheries and intertidal beds.

Figure 217. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the head to the mouth of the loch. There are 3 flame shell and 3 horse mussel records about two thirds of the way up the loch. The seagrass record is by the mouth and blue mussel record by the head of the loch.

24.1.6. Area: East of BUTEC (Inner Sound)

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 map below.

The 2018 area’s boundary was amended to better reflect the distribution of the flame shell bed and maerl bed records. No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management area.

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

Feature: Maerl beds, Flame shell beds

Figure 218. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the coast of the Applecross peninsula at BUTEC to East of the BUTEC range in the Inner Sound. There are 4 maerl records further away from the coast around the 40m depth contour and 2 flame shell records at the southern end of the proposed area near along the 20m depth contour.

24.1.7. Area: Pabay, North (Inner Sound)

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 map below.

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

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

Feature: Maerl beds, Flame shell beds

Figure 219. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the North coast of Pabay in the Inner Sound. There is 1 maerl records further away from the coast around the 40m depth contour on the western side of the proposed area and 6 flame shell records in the middle of the area and towards the north east also following the 40m depth contour.

24.1.8. Area: Red Point (Torridon)

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 map below.

The boundary of the 2018 area was extended in the north to include additional PMF records and straightened in the south. No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management area.

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

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

Figure 220. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the sea north of red point, then joining the coast at red point beach and extending round the coast into the mouth of loch Torridon. There are 2 maerl records at the north end of the proposed area and another of off Red Point. There are 7 records and a large cluster of maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers in the north part of the area off the coast north of red point. There is also a large cluster of seagrass records south East of Red Point in the mouth of Loch Torridon

24.1.9. Area: Rubha Chuaig (Inner Sound)

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 map below.

The boundary of the 2018 area was amended to better reflect the extent of the PMF records. Additional fishing data were provided and accommodated whilst taking into account depth requirements for maerl beds and sufficient buffers around known records.

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

Feature: Maerl beds, flame shell beds

There are also maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumber records present, but they were not a focus for this area’s selection.

Figure 221. Map of measures proposed*:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the West coast of the Applecross peninsula by Cuaig extending about 40m from the coast. There are a large number of maerl records spread thorughout the area from north to south with 4 flame shell records in the southern half and a maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumber record in the northern section.

*A maerl and coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers record is present on top of the most northern maerl bed record.

24.1.10. Area: Scalpay, North (Inner Sound)

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 map below.

The boundary of the 2018 area was amended to take account of Red Rocks and Longay MPA where additional maerl bed and flame shell bed records are protected. Additional fishing data were provided but the distribution of records in relation to these data meant no other changes were necessary.

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

Feature: Maerl beds, flame shell beds

Figure 222. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the North coast of Scalpay in the Inner Sound. The are joins onto the Red Rocks and Longay MPA on its eastern boundary. There is a large cluster of maerl records on the eastern side and a smaller cluster on the opposite side of the proposed area. There are 3 flame shell records by the eastern boundary by the Red Rocks and Longay MPA.

24.1.11. Area: Sgeir na Sean Chroit (Upper Loch Linnhe)

This option reflects the extent of the current survey data and is situated on a steeply sloping seabed that extends to depths that are suitable for horse mussel beds. No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management area.

Feature: Horse mussel beds, flame shell beds

Figure 223. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the southern coast of Loch Linnhe, north east of Corran and stretches some 400m across. There are 2 flame shell records and one horse mussel record near the coast by the Linnhe picnic area.

24.1.12. Area: Pabay, South-West (Inner Sound)

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 map below.

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

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

Feature: Flame shell, maerl beds

Figure 224. Map of measures proposed:

Map shows the area to be protected extending from the South West coast of Pabay in the Inner Sound. There are 3 flame shell records and 2 maerl records at the Southern section of the proposed area about 40m from the coast.

24.2. 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 18 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.

24.2.1. Area: Ascrib Islands (Skye)

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the Ascrib, Isay and Dunvegan and Inner Hebrides and the Minches SACs.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for Ascrib, Isay and Dunvegan and Inner Hebrides and the Minches SACs for set nets (not including fyke nets) and Ascrib, Isay and Dunvegan SAC for pelagic seine (including ring-nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

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

Feature: Maerl beds, northern sea fan and sponge communities

Option 1: Closely following the majority of the PMF records. Additional fishing activity data were accommodated where possible whilst still providing adequate buffers around the PMFs.

Figure 225. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area to be protected surrounding the Ascrib Islands west of Uig. Maerl bed records are found in the west and north of the area, with northern sea fan and sponge communities records in the southwest of the area and in a small protruding portion of the area in the northeast.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint that is extended in the southeast and west to include additional habitat of suitable depth.

Figure 226. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area to be protected surrounding the Ascrib Islands west of Uig. The outer extent of this area is slightly further in the northeast and southwest than option 1, Maerl bed records are found in the west and north of the area, with northern sea fan and sponge communities records in the southwest and northeast of the area.

24.2.2. Area: Eddrachillis Bay (Assynt)

Feature: Maerl beds and seagrass beds

There are also northern sea fan and sponge communities records present, but they were not a focus for this area’s selection.

The options were reduced on the eastern side, removing head of the loch, to better reflect known records at the time. There is a horse mussel bed record at the head of the loch but this is from 1988. No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management areas.

The additional maerl bed and northern sea fan and sponge communities records in Option 2 at the mouth of the loch are from survey data from 2023 and 2025 that was available after areas were finalised for consultation. There are maerl bed records from the 2025 survey outside both management options at the head of the loch that were not available when options were finalised for consultation.

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint which excludes some maerl beds and northern sea fan and sponge communities in the outer reaches of the loch

Figure 227. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures spanning from the Kylesku bridge in Eddrachillis bay as far as the Loch a' Mhuillinn nature reserve in the north and Culkein Drumbeg in the south. A seagrass bed is evident near Drumbeg, while maerl beds are evident by the Kylesku bridge and in the inlet leading to An Dun in the south.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint which includes additional maerl beds, northern sea fan and sponge communities and further suitable habitat.

Figure 228. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures spanning from the Kylesku bridge in Eddrachillis bay towards Scourie in the north and the northern tip of Oldany island in the south. A seagrass bed is evident near Drumbeg, while maerl beds are evident by the Kylesku bridge and in the inlet leading to An Dun in the south.

24.2.3. Area: Eigg, South-East

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

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC and Sea of the Hebrides NCMPA 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. Both maps show the same thing for overlapping portion.

Feature: Northern sea fan and sponge communities and maerl beds

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint. Additional fishing data were provided and the area reduced whilst including suitable depths for maerl beds, the existing PMF records and buffers around these.

Figure 229. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures covering the coastal waters southeast of Eigg, from Eilean Chathastail in the south to Eilean Dubh an Fhaing in the north. Northern sea fan and sponge communities are evident across the east of this area, while a marl bed record sits northeast of Eilean Chathastail.

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

Figure 230. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures covering the coastal waters southeast of Eigg, from Eilean Chathastail in the south to Eilean Dubh an Fhaing in the north. This option extends further eastwards into open water than option 1. Northern sea fan and sponge communities are evident across the east of this area, while a marl bed record sits northeast of Eilean Chathastail.

24.2.4. Area: Handa (Durness)

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the Handa SPA.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for Handa SPA for set nets (including fyke nets) and longlines (until technical measures come into force) which are not shown in the maps below.

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

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

Feature: Maerl beds

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint that more closely encompasses the PMF records.

Figure 231. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint offering protection for additional potential habitat for maerl beds based on suitable depths.

Figure 232. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures covering the strait between Handa and the mainland, and as far north as Eilean an Aigaich. Two maerl bed records exist in the strait.

24.2.5. Area: Inverie, Loch Nevis (Knoydart)

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

Feature: Seagrass beds

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint to encompass the records of the PMF more closely.

Figure 233. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

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

Figure 234. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

24.2.6. Area: Little Minch

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

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

Please check one of the overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures. Both sets of maps show the same thing for overlapping portion.

Option 2 has northern sea fan and sponge communities that were not included in Option 1. NatureScot proposed that the focus of measures be around the clusters of existing 2011 records noting that it may be possible to split the area for Option 1 based on available survey and bathymetric data. The area between the northeast and southwest parts under Option 1 primarily supports northern sea fan species records only (low density presence).

Feature: Northern sea fan and sponge communities

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint over two discrete areas that encompass known PMF records. It also accommodates additional fishing data that were provided which overlaps the low density species only records of northern sea fan.

Figure 235. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures covering two separate areas in the Inner Hebrides between the Outer Hebrides and north East of Skye. There are four northern sea fan and sponge communities records in the northern section and six northern sea fan and sponge communities records in the southern section. The areas are drawn quite tightly around the distribution of the records.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint which includes additional lower relief habitat that is suitable for the northern sea fan species.

Figure 236. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures covering a larger area connecting the two split areas outlined in the reduced area map. This is located in the Inner Hebrides between the Outer Hebrides and north East of Skye. There are a total of fourteen northern sea fan and sponge communities records spread throughout the area.

24.2.7. Area: Loch Bay (Skye)

This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the Ascrib, Isay and Dunvegan and Inner Hebrides and the Minches SACs.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for Ascrib, Isay and Dunvegan and Inner Hebrides and the Minches SACs for set nets (not including fyke nets) and Ascrib, Isay and Dunvegan SAC for pelagic seine (including ring-nets) which are not shown in the maps below.

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

Option 2 (the 2018 area) has an additional maerl bed record not included in Option 1 as further survey work in 2024 and 2025 confirmed a new maerl bed in Ardmore Bay at the northern end of the 2018 area which wasn’t available when the areas were finalised for consultation.

Feature: Maerl beds

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint encompassing a few clusters of maerl beds around the small islands in the southern, outer areas of the loch. Additional fishing data were provided and accommodated prior to knowing about the 2024/25 maerl bed data.

Figure 237. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows area for measures extending from the headland west of Loch Bay northwest to take in the islands of Isay, Mingay, and Clett. Four maerl beds are located between the headland and the islands, three maerl records in-between two islands at the north of the area with another north of Isay.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint and extends to include more maerl bed records in the north as well as including additional suitable habitat within the head of the loch.

Figure 238. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows area for measures covering the waters of Loch Bay and its surrounds, with an outer boundary extending from the headland west of Loch Bay north to Isay and on to Ardmore Bay in the north.

24.2.8. Area: Loch Bracadale (Skye)

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.

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

There are also intertidal seagrass and blue mussel beds present, but they were not considered as part of this process due to there being no overlaps with bottom-contacting fisheries and intertidal beds.

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint, over two discrete areas of the loch, to reflect the known records. Additional fishing data were received and accommodated whilst protecting known records at the time of finalising the options for consultation and including buffers.

Figure 239. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures covering three separate areas in Loch Bracadale. One on the west side of the loch including Loch Vatten and Loch Bharcasaig then running narrowly down the west coast of the loch. This area includes a maerl or coarse shell gravel record in the narrow strip down the coast and a maerl and seagrass record at the end of Loch Vatten. The other areas are on the east side of the loch made up of Loch Halport and the bay at Ebost. There are two maerl records and a maerl or coarse shell gravel record in the bay, two maerl records at the mouth of Loch Halport and a blue mussel record just off Bracadale.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint that includes additional suitable habitat for the PMFs.

Figure 240. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures covering two separate areas in Loch Bracadale. One on the west side of the loch including Loch Vatten and Loch Bharcasaigout to the sea. This area includes a maerl or coarse shell gravel record in the narrow strip down the coast and a maerl and seagrass record at the end of Loch Vatten. The other area is on the east side of the loch made up of Loch Halport and the bay at Ebost, area extends further out into Loch Bracadale than option 1. There are two maerl records and a maerl or coarse shell gravel record in the bay, two maerl records at the mouth of Loch Halport and a blue mussel record just off Bracadale.

24.2.9. Area: Loch Hourn (Knoydart)

Feature: Maerl beds and seagrass beds

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint that encompasses known records of the PMFs. Additional fishing data were received and accommodated, whilst protecting known records at the time of finalising the options for consultation and including buffers.

Figure 241. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures from the narrows East of Barrisdale running up to Corran then down to the south coast of the Loch. There is a maerl record by the narrows and another record north of Barrisdale at the north coast of the Loch. There is also a seagrass record just off the coast at Corran.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint, including additional suitable habitat for the PMFs.

Figure 242. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures from the narrows East of Barrisdale running up to Corran then straight across the loch to the Western side to form a larger area than option 1. There is a maerl record by the narrows and another record north of Barrisdale at the north coast of the Loch. There is also a seagrass record just off the coast at Corran.

24.2.10. Area: Loch nan Uamh (Arisaig)

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.

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

There are also intertidal blue mussel records present, but they were not considered part of this process due to there being no overlaps with bottom-contacting fisheries and intertidal mussel beds.

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint with two discrete locations at head and mouth of loch that encompass known PMF records. Additional fishing data were received and accommodated whilst protecting known records at the time of finalising the options for consultation and including buffers.

Figure 243. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures covering two split areas. One at loch head by the Loch nan Uamh viaduct with a single seagrass record and northern sea fan and sponge communities record. The second area is on the northern side of the Loch by it's mouth. Area extending south into the sea from the coast south east of Rhu Point beach. There are two maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumber records. One close to a skerry by the coast and one further south into the loch.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint along the northern edge of the loch including additional habitat suitable for PMFs.

Figure 244. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures covering the northern side of the loch from the loch head by the Loch nan Uamh viaduct to south of Rhu Point There is a single seagrass record and northern sea fan and sponge communities record. There are two maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumber records by Rhu point. One close to a skerry by the coast and one further south into the loch.

24.2.11. Area: Lochs Eishort and Slapin (Skye)

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 northern sea fan and sponge communities that were not included in Option 1. The excluded area overlaps with additional fishing data that were provided. The excluded northern sea fan and sponge communities records are considered to be of lower diversity.

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

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint around the margins of the loch, excluding mostly deeper mud habitats not suitable for the PMFs being considered in this process, and accommodating, where possible, additional fishing data that were provided.

Figure 245. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures covering coastal waters all around the loch with a large area left open in the middle. There are a large number of maerl and seagrass records along the north west and south east coast of the loch and a large number of northern sea fan and sponge communities records in the south east coastal waters of the area.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint that includes additional records of northern sea fan and sponge communities (lower diversity examples) on silted rock outcrops in mud.

Figure 246. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures covering coastal waters all around the loch with a smaller area left open in the middle. There are a large number of maerl and seagrass records along the north west and south east coast of the loch and a large number of northern sea fan and sponge communities records in the south east coastal waters of the area extending into the middle of the loch.

24.2.12. Area: Loch Ainort and Caolas Scalpay (Skye)

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.

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

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

Feature: Flame shell beds, maerl beds, horse mussel beds and seagrass beds

Option 1*: This boundary covers a smaller footprint that encompasses the PMFs with a simple boundary lines across to Scalpay.

Figure 247. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures covering loch Ainort by Scalpay in the Inner Sound and the waters across to the east coast of Scalpay, extending to Strollamus in the south and just north of Moll in the north. There is a single horse mussel record north of the mouth of loch Ainort, a cluster of maerl and flame shell records at the mouth of the loch and two seagrass records south and south east of this cluster.

*Flame shell bed records are present amongst the large cluster of maerl bed records.

Option 2*: This boundary covers a larger footprint and includes additional habitat that may be suitable for the PMFs.

Figure 248. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures covering Loch Ainort and the surrounding coast across to Scalpay, as far as the headland east of Sconser in the north and Irishman's point north of Corry in the south. There is a single horse mussel record north of the mouth of loch Ainort, a cluster of maerl and flame shell records at the mouth of the loch and two seagrass records south and south east of this cluster.

*Flame shell bed records are present amongst the large cluster of maerl bed records.

24.2.13. Area: Muck and Godag

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

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

Please check one of the overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures. Both sets of maps show the same thing for overlapping portion.

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

Option 2 includes an additional northern sea fan and sponge communities record in the northern section, not included in Option 1. This was from a 2025 survey where data were only available after the area was finalised for consultation.

Feature: Northern sea fan and sponge communities

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint within two discrete areas around known PMF records.

Figure 249. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures covering two split areas. One surrounding the island of Godag north of Muck with four northern sea fan and sponge communities records The second area is extends out from the South east coast of Muck and includes four northern sea fan and sponge communities records.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger single area that includes additional potential suitable habitat for the PMF.

Figure 250. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the continuous area for measures covering the island of Godag extending down to off the south east coast of Muck. There are five northern sea fan and sponge communities records by Godag and four south east of Muck

24.2.14. Area: North of Crowlin Islands and Eilean na Ba (Inner Sound)

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.

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

Option 2 includes an additional flame shell bed record in the southwest section, not included in Option 1, as this was from a 2025 survey and data were not available until after the area was finalised for consultation.

Feature: Maerl beds and flame shell beds

There are also maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumber and northern sea fan and sponge communities records present, but they were not the focus for this area’s selection.

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint that includes the clusters of PMF records.

Figure 251. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area for measures covering the waters surrounding and north of Eilean na Ba across to the mainland and southwards to Eilean Beag. The waters immediately to the northwest of both islands are included in this area. Maerl bed records are found in the north, middle and southern partof the area, a cluster of flame shell records are by the maerl in the south and a single northern sea fan and sponge communities and single maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers record are found in the northern portion near the single maerl record.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint, and includes an additional record of flame shell beds, and habitat that may be suitable for the PMFs.

Figure 252. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area for measures covering the waters surrounding Eilean na Ba, and the waters to the north and northwest, across to the mainland and southwards to Eilean Beag. This area extends further north and west than option 1, as well as slightly further southeast. Maerl bed records are found in the north, middle and southern partof the area, a cluster of flame shell records are by the maerl in the south and a single northern sea fan and sponge communities and single maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers record are found in the northern portion near the single maerl record.

24.2.15. Area: Oberon Bank

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

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

Please check one of the overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures. Both sets of maps show the same thing for overlapping portion.

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

Feature: Northern sea fan and sponge communities

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint that includes the clusters of PMF records. The 2018 area was reduced due to additional 2019 survey data not finding the habitat in the southeast section of the proposed management area.

Figure 253. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area covering part of the Oberon bank, a submerged sandbank near the Sound of Jura. There are 6 northern sea fan and sponge communities records present.

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

Figure 254. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area covering a larger part of the Oberon bank, a submerged sandbank near the Sound of Jura. There are 6 northern sea fan and sponge communities records present.

24.2.16. Area: Port Erradale (Gairloch)

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 includes additional maerl bed records in northeastern section, not included in Option 1, as these were from a 2023 survey where data were only available after the area was finalised for consultation.

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

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint encompassing the records known at the time of finalising the area for consultation. Additional fishing data were provided and accommodated whilst still protecting the PMF records with buffers.

Figure 255. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area running down the coast from Melvaig to north coast of longa island and extending out in a narrow strip into the sea with a larger square area at the north end. There is a large number of maerl records in the northern section by Melvaig, others dotted down the coast. A cluster of seagrass records between longa and the mainland, a single maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumber records slightly north-east of the segrass records and a cluster of the west coast of Longa.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint incorporating further new maerl bed records from 2023 and additional habitat at depths suitable for this PMF.

Figure 256. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area running down the coast from Melvaig to north coast of longa island and extending out in a narrow strip into the sea with a larger square area at the north end. There is a larger number of maerl records than option 1 in the northern section by Melvaig, others dotted down the coast. A cluster of seagrass records between longa and the mainland, a single maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumber records slightly north-east of the segrass records and a cluster of the west coast of Longa.

24.2.17. Area: Sandaig Bay, Loch Nevis (Knoydart)

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.

Feature: Maerl beds

There is an additional maerl bed record outside of the boundary to the south, this is not shown in either Option because this was from a 2023 survey where data were only available after the area was finalised for consultation.

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint that includes known maerl bed records at the time of finalising the area for consultation and follows suitable depths for the habitat. Additional fishing data were provided and accommodated whilst still protecting the PMF records with buffers.

Figure 257. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area extending from the coast out into the bay to form a point. There are two maerl records by the point just past a small skerry.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint that includes additional habitat of suitable depth in the west.

Figure 258. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area extending from the coast out into the bay to two larger skerries nearer open sea. There are two maerl records just past a small skerry by the mainland.

24.2.18. Area: South of Muck and Bo Fascadale

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

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

Please check one of the overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear measures. Both sets of maps show the same thing for overlapping portion.

Two management areas from 2018 were joined to make this area based on new records of northern sea fan and sponge communities in this locality.

Option 2 has northern sea fan and sponge communities that were not included in Option 1. The area excluded overlaps with additional fishing data that were provided and any excluded northern sea fan and sponge communities records.

Feature: Northern sea fan and sponge communities, fan mussel aggregations

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint that excludes a few northern sea fan and sponge communities records around the margins accommodating, where possible, additional fishing data that were provided.

Figure 259. Map of measures proposed under option 1:

Map shows the area in the open sea south east of Muck and north of Fascadale on the West Coast of the mainland. There are a large number of northern sea fan and sponge communities records spread throughout the area and a cluster of fan mussels in the centre with 3 other records closer to the boundary nearest Muck.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint that includes additional records of northern sea fan and sponge communities.

Figure 260. Map of measures proposed under option 2:

Map shows the area in the open sea south east of Muck and north of Fascadale on the West Coast of the mainland. This area extends further west towards the mainland and captures additional northern sea fan records. There are a large number of northern sea fan and sponge communities records spread throughout the area and a cluster of fan mussels in the centre with 3 other records closer to the boundary nearest Muck.

Contact

Email: marine_biodiversity@gov.scot

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