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Publication - Factsheet

Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas - Site and Area Proposal Document

Published
14 September 2026
From
Director of Marine
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Marine and fisheries
ISBN
9781806432950

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.

Supporting documents

22. Proposed PMF management areas in the Orkney Islands marine region

22.1 Bay of Tuquoy, Westray (Orkney)

22.1.1 Description and background

Bay of Tuquoy, Westray (Orkney) proposed PMF management area covers the Bay of Tuquoy on Westray, between Midbea and Skelwick. This area has been selected to protect:

  • Seagrass beds

22.1.2 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.

22.1.3 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.

This option reflects the distribution of the PMF records. No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed management area.

Figure 159. Bay of Tuquoy, Westray (Orkney) proposed PMF management area
Map shows the protected area covers the whole of the Bay of Tuquoy. Seagrass beds are shown to extend across most of the outer portion of the bay.

22.1.4 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

22.2 Bay of Swartmill (Orkney)

22.2.1 Description and background

Bay of Swartmill (Orkney) proposed PMF management area covers the Bay of Swartmill on the north coast of Westray, and the waters just outside it. This area has been selected to protect:

  • Maerl beds

22.2.2 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.

22.2.3 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.

This option includes the known PMF records and the whole bay has been included as the area is of suitable depth for maerl beds in Orkney. No additional fishing data were provided within the proposed management area.

Figure 160. Bay of Swartmill (Orkney) proposed PMF management area
A map of a large area

22.2.4 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

22.3 Copinsay (Orkney)

22.3.1 Description and background*

Copinsay (Orkney) proposed PMF management area covers the waters surrounding Copinsay and the surrounding isles of Horse of Copinsay, Corn Holm, Black Holm, and Ward Holm. This area has been selected to protect:

  • Horse mussel beds

There are also fan mussel species records present in option 2, but they were not a focus for this area selection.

Additional observations of horse mussel beds that lie outside the option 1 area, and one beyond the option 2 area. This was from a 2024 NatureScot-Marine Directorate survey where data were only available after the area was finalised for consultation.

*This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the Copinsay SPA.

22.3.2 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.

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

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

22.3.3 Options under consideration

Two options have been developed for this for this PMF management area. 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.

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

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint around most of the cluster of horse mussel bed records.

Figure 161. Copinsay (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 1
Map shows the protected area to the east of Copinsay, with its shallowest point at 20 metres depth. Horse mussel beds are evident in the centre of this area

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

Figure 162. Copinsay (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 2

Map shows the area for protection surrounding Copinsay, Corn Holm, and the surrounding islets. Horse mussel beds are evident to the east of Copinsay. A fan mussel record is evident in the north of the area

22.3.4 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

22.4 Hoy Sound (East) to South Walls (Orkney)

22.4.1 Description and background*

Hoy Sound (east) to South Walls, Orkney proposed PMF management area covers the waters surrounding the northern coast of South Walls (including North Bay and the waters across to Switha) through Hoy Sound up to the southern coast of the Orkney Mainland including the coast of Cava and the northern, western, and southern coasts of Fara. This area has been selected to protect:

  • Maerl beds;
  • Fan mussel aggregations;
  • Flame shell beds;
  • Horse mussel beds; and
  • Seagrass beds

*This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the Hoy and Scapa Flow SPAs.

22.4.2 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.

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

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

22.4.3 Options under consideration

Two options have been developed for this for this PMF management area. 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.

Option 1 originally covered our knowledge of the records but new records of horse mussel records to the north and maerl bed records to the southeast of the area have been confirmed since the options were developed. The boundary developed for Option 2 was already large enough to include the horse mussel bed records. The maerl bed records to southeast of the area fall outside the developed options as they were available in Geodatabase of Marine features adjacent to Scotland (GeMS) after the proposed areas were finalised for consultation.

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

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint over two discrete locations.

Figure 163. Hoy Sound (East) to South Walls (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 1
Map shows the area for measures covering the waters east of Hoy as far as Switha in the southeast and Cava in the Northeast. A small distinct area exists north of Cava. In this small area there are many horse mussel records and some fan mussels. Throughout the north of the main section of the area there are flame shell, horse mussel, and maerl bed records. maerl beds also exist near the coast of Flotta, and seagrass records on the northwest coast of South Walls.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger single area and extends to the north.

Figure 164. Hoy Sound (East) to South Walls (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 2
Map shows area for measures extending from the south coast of Mainland along the coast of Hoy to South Walls. The area extends as far as Switha in the southeast, running through the strait between Fara and Hoy and up to Toy Ness on Mainland. Many horse mussel records are found north of Cava, alongside some fan mussels. In the centre of the area there are flame shell, horse mussel, and maerl bed records. maerl beds also exist near the coast of Flotta, and seagrass records on the northwest coast of South Walls.

22.4.4 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

22.5 Hoy Sound (Orkney)

22.5.1 Description and background*

Hoy Sound (Orkney) proposed PMF management area covers the waters of Hoy Sound between Hoy and Stromness in the west, as far as Petertown in the east. This area has been selected to protect:

  • Maerl beds;
  • Seagrass 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’s selection.

*This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the Hoy and Scapa Flow SPAs.

22.5.2 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.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for Hoy and Scapa Flow SPAs for set nets (including fyke nets) and overlapping area with Hoy SPA for longlines (until technical measures come into force) which are not shown in the maps below. Please check overlapping site map option(s) to see static gear and longline measures.

22.5.3 Options under consideration

Two options have been developed for this for this PMF management area. 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.

Option 2 also has an additional maerl bed record not captured in Option 1 as the data were not available when the options were finalised for consultation. No additional fishing data provided within the proposed management areas.

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint encompassing known maerl bed and seagrass bed records at the time.

Figure 165. Hoy Sound (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 1
Map shows the area for measures extending between Hoy and Mainland through the northwest tip of Graemsay and down a short way past the eastern extent of Graemsay. Maerl bed records are evident in the north and east of the area, with seagrass beds evident north of Graemsay.

Option 2: This boundary covers a larger footprint extending to the south to include additional maerl bed records and maerl or coarse shell gravel and burrowing sea cucumbers records.

Figure 166. Hoy Sound (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 2
Map shows area for measures to cover the area between Hoy and Mainland from the northwest tip of Graemsay down to Green Head on Hoy. Maerl bed records are evident in the north and east of the area, with seagrass beds evident north of Graemsay. This area includes a maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers record just north of Green head that is not included in option 1.

22.5.4 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:

  • Mobile or active gear prohibited across the area from 01 May till 30 September
  • 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

22.6 Eday, Sanday, and Stronsay (Orkney)

22.6.1 Description and background

Eday, Sanday, and Stronsay (Orkney) proposed PMF management area covers the waters north and west of Stronsay, across to the eastern coast of the southern half of Eday and the south coast of the western half of Sanday. This area has been selected to protect:

  • Maerl beds;
  • Horse mussel beds; and
  • Seagrass beds

22.6.2 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.

22.6.3 Options under consideration

Two options have been developed for this for this PMF management area. 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.

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

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint more closely reflecting the distribution of the PMFs.

Figure 167. Eday, Sanday, and Stronsay (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 1
Map shows the area for measures extending from the northeast coast of Stronsay up to Sanday, and across to Eday, running south past the southwest tip of Stronsay at its southernmost. Maerl bed records are evident throughout the area, with seagrass on the east coast of Stronsay and on the coast of Sanday. Horse mussels are evident in the southern tip of the area southwest of Stronsay.

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

Figure 168. Eday, Sanday, and Stronsay (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 2
Map shows the area for measures extending from the northeast coast of Stronsay up to Sanday, and across to Eday, running south past the southwest tip of Stronsay at its southernmost. This option covers more waters south of Eday than option 1. Maerl bed records are evident throughout the area, with seagrass on the east coast of Stronsay and on the coast of Sanday. Horse mussels are evident in the southern tip of the area southwest of Stronsay.

22.6.4 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

22.7 Orkney Sounds and Firths (South)

22.7.1 Description and background*

Orkney sounds and firths (South) proposed PMF management area covers the waters off the north coast of the Orkney Mainland from Evie to Deer Sound, as far as the southern coasts of Rousay and Wyre, and the northern, western, and southern coasts of Shapinsay. This area has been selected to protect:

  • Horse mussel beds;
  • Maerl beds; and
  • Seagrass beds

There is also a fan mussel species record present in the options, but this feature was not a focus for this area’s selection.

*This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the Rousay and North Orkney SPAs.

22.7.2 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.

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

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

22.7.3 Options under consideration

Two options have been developed for this for this PMF management area. 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.

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

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint and includes clusters of known PMF records within two discrete locations.

Figure 169. Orkney Sounds and Firths (South) proposed PMF management area Option 1
Map shows the area for measures running from the strait between Mainland and Rousay along the mainland coast to Rerwick Head, including the northern and southern coasts of Shapinsay. Deer sound is also included in this area, where a number of seagrass records are evident. Maerl beds are evident throughout the main area, with horse mussel beds evident south of Shapinsay, fan mussels evident near Rousay, and seagrass beds also present across the north and west of the area.

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

Figure 170. Orkney Sounds and Firths (South) proposed PMF management area Option 2
Map shows the area for measures running from the strait between Mainland and Rousay along the mainland coast to the tip of Deer Ness, including the northern and southern coasts of Shapinsay. Maerl beds are evident throughout the main area, with horse mussel beds evident south of Shapinsay, fan mussels evident near Rousay, and seagrass beds scattered in the north and west of the area. There is also a concentration of seagrass beds in Deer Sound.

22.7.4 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

22.8 Papa Westray, South (Orkney)

22.8.1 Description and background

Papa Westray, South (Orkney) proposed PMF management area covers the waters around the south and southwest coast of Papa Westray. This area has been selected to protect:

  • Maerl beds; and
  • Seagrass beds

22.8.2 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.

22.8.3 Options under consideration

Two options have been developed for this for this PMF management area. 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.

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

The sloping northern boundary at Knap of Hower and the southeastern boundary at Sheepheight were drawn to follow the boundary of the Papa Westray MPA.

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint, more closely following the 10 m depth contour in the south.

Figure 171. Papa Westray, South (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 1
Map showing the area for measures covering the southern end of Papa Westray, and the southwest coast as far as the Knap of Howar. A Maerl bed is evident in the southeast of the area, and seagrass records exist in the west of the area.

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

Figure 172. Papa Westray, South (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 2
Map showing the area for measures covering the southern end of Papa Westray, and the southwest coast as far as the Knap of Howar. A Maerl bed is evident in the southeast of the area, and seagrass records exist in the west of the area.

22.8.4 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

22.9 Widewall Bay (Orkney)

22.9.1 Description and background*

Widewall Bay (Orkney) proposed PMF management area covers the entire sheltered area of Widewall bay on South Ronaldsay. This area has been selected to protect:

  • Seagrass beds

*This proposed PMF management area overlaps with the Scapa Flow SPA.

22.9.2 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.

This PMF management area overlaps with management measures being consulted on for Scapa Flow 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.

22.9.3 Options under consideration

Two options have been developed for this for this PMF management area. 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.

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

Option 1: This boundary covers a smaller footprint that includes known seagrass bed records.

Figure 173. Widewall Bay (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 1
Map shows the area for measures covering the sheltered waters of Widewall Bay, with its outer boundary between Herston and Quindry. Seagrass beds are evident throughout the area, with a greater concentration in the inner portion of the bay.

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

Figure 174. Widewall Bay (Orkney) proposed PMF management area Option 2
Map shows the area for measures covering the whole of Widewall Bay, with its outer boundary between Herson Head and Hoxa Head. Seagrass beds are evident throughout the inner area, with a greater concentration in the innermost portion of the bay.

22.9.4 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

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