Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas - Site and Area Proposal Document
This document describes the process, justification and evidence used to develop site and area specific fisheries management measures. It outlines key information for each site and area including their features, and risks of potential pressures.
21. Proposed PMF management areas in the North Coast marine region
21.1 Loch Eribol (Durness)
21.1.1 Description and background
Loch Eribol (Durness) proposed PMF management areas covers the head of Loch Eriboll to a short way past Portnancon. This area has been selected to protect:
- Maerl beds; and
- Horse mussel beds
21.1.2 Fisheries management measures proposed
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.
21.1.3 Options under consideration
A single management option has been developed for this PMF management area. Only one option was identified due to one of, or combination of, evidence (fishing activity or PMF related), boundary setting principles and compliance considerations.
The option reflects the distribution of PMF records. No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed PMF management area.
21.1.4 Other fisheries management measures currently applying to this area
There are already management measures in place. An effort has been made to identify existing measures which affect each individual site or area, however the list may not be exhaustive. These measures are outlined below, and the proposals for further management being consulted on now are in addition to these existing measures:
- Fishing for sandeel is prohibited within the Scottish zone, which is defined as the sea adjacent to Scotland up to the 200 nautical miles limit
Contact
Email: marine_biodiversity@gov.scot