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
7. Potential sites for new SWPA designations
The initial review identified 14 sites that met the criteria for proposal as a new SWPA. One of the potential new sites is adjacent to an existing SWPA, therefore we propose to expand the existing SWPA to include this site.
The initial review gathered feedback from the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers, Seafood Shetland, SEPA and Scottish Water on the proposed boundaries and any Scottish Water assets within the proposed boundaries. This feedback helped to shape the proposed boundaries and further feedback on these is welcomed. Maps illustrating the boundaries of the proposed new designations and expansion are available in the following link.
The proposed sites for new SWPAs are:
- SWPA 87: Bay of Skaill: Westray
- SWPA 88: Camas a Chuilinn: Loch Linnhe
- SWPA 89: Colla Firth
- SWPA 90: Eilean an Atha
- SWPA 91: Hamar Voe
- SWPA 92Kildonan Oysters
- SWPA 93: Kyle of Durness
- SWPA 94: Loch Kanaird
- SWPA 95: Loch Sunart
- SWPA 96: Mid Noost Pacific Oysters
- SWPA 98: Swining Voe
- SWPA 99 : Urafirth
- SWPA 86: Ardmhor (If designated, the site will also incorporate the SWPA 72: Sound of Barra, which will be de-designated)
- SWPA 97: Mid Yell Voe (If designated, the site will also incorporate the SWPA 64: Mid Yell Voe East, which will be de-designated)
The existing SWPA site for potential expansion is
- SWPA 100: Cat Firth
Contact
Email: waterenvironment@gov.scot