Proposed Fisheries Management Measures for Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas – Consultation Paper

Ministerial Foreword

Scotland's seas are among our nation's most valuable assets, supporting biodiversity, coastal communities and sustainable fisheries. The Scottish Government is committed to protecting and enhancing the health of our marine environment while recognising the social, cultural and economic importance of our fishing industry.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Priority Marine Features (PMFs) play an important role in helping us to achieve our shared ambitions for healthy, productive and resilient seas. Effective management of activities within these areas is essential to ensure that their conservation objectives can be achieved for current and future generations.

This consultation seeks views on proposed fisheries management measures for inshore MPAs that still require these and proposed PMF management areas for the 11 most sensitive PMFs to bottom-contacting mobile fishing gear.

It is important to be clear that no decisions have been made at this stage. The purpose of this consultation is to provide individuals, communities, businesses, fisheries stakeholders, environmental organisations and all those with an interest in Scotland's seas with the opportunity to inform and enhance ministerial decision-making.

I recognise that these proposals may have differing implications for those who use and depend upon the marine environment. It is therefore essential that decisions are informed by the best available evidence, local knowledge and stakeholder experience. Through this consultation, we are seeking your views on the proposed fisheries management measures, their potential impacts and whether there are additional considerations that should be taken into account before any decisions are reached.

The Scottish Government is committed to a transparent and evidence-based approach. I encourage all interested parties to engage fully with the consultation and provide constructive feedback. The responses received will be carefully considered alongside scientific evidence, socio-economic assessments and other relevant information before ministers determine the most appropriate way forward.

Your contribution is an important part of this process, and I encourage everyone with an interest in the future management of Scotland's inshore waters to participate.

Jim Fairlie MSP

Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands