Scotland's shellfish water protected area (SWPA) designations - review: consultation
We are consulting on the proposed designations and de-designations of Shellfish Water Protected Area’s (SWPAs), as part of work to meet a statutory obligation. The purpose is to identify areas where it may be appropriate to designate a new SWPA or de-designate an existing SWPA
Closed
This consultation closed 29 September 2025.
View this consultation on consult.gov.scot, including responses once published.
Consultation analysis
Footnotes
1 The Water Environment (Shellfish Water Protected Areas: Designation) (Scotland) Orders 2013 and 2016, which set out the current SWPA designations, and The Water Environment (Shellfish Water Protected Areas: Environmental Objectives etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 2013, which aim to protect shellfish waters to support shellfish life and growth, contributing to high-quality edible shellfish; and prevent pollution and establish necessary programmes to reduce contamination.
2 For more information see: Shellfish safety and sanitation | Food Standards Scotland | Food Standards Scotland
3 Section 5A of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act required Scottish Ministers to review these designations every 6 years
Contact
Email: waterenvironment@gov.scot