Offshore Marine Protected Areas - fisheries management measures: SG response

8. West of Scotland Boundary Amendment

The consultation sought views on a proposed amendment to the site boundary of the West of Scotland MPA. The amendment was intended to address an overlap with Faroese continental shelf and the "Faroese Special Area," a zone where Scottish Ministers do not hold full jurisdiction. Adjusting the boundary ensures that the entire MPA falls within the jurisdiction of Scottish Ministers, enabling effective governance and enforcement.

Scientific advice from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) confirmed that the proposed change would not compromise the ecological integrity of the site.

Half (50%) of respondents to the question on the boundary amendment expressed support for the proposal, while 10% opposed it. The remaining 40% were neutral. Supporters generally viewed the change as a pragmatic solution to avoid jurisdictional complexities and ensure effective conservation.

SG Response

Scottish Ministers have considered all consultation responses. The amended boundary was signed by the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Energy 28 July 2025 and came into effect 11 August 2025.

The amended boundary has no impact on vessel registration or licensing and does not reduce access to fishing grounds. The change aligns the boundary of the MPA with Scotland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), meaning the MPA no longer overlaps with the shared ‘Special Area’.