Scottish Government proposes new Marine Protected Areas for Scotland

The Scottish Government has opened a consultation on four new Marine Protected Areas in Scotland. The areas proposed are North East Lewis, Sea of the Hebrides, Shiant East Bank and the Southern Trench.

If the Marine Protected Areas are approved, Scotland would become the first country in the world to have designated areas for specific species such as minke whales, basking sharks and risso dolphins, a significant step towards marine conservation.

However, this new Marine Protected Area could potentially have an impact on marine businesses operating in areas such as marinas, charter companies, diving and tourism. British Marine members operating in these areas are encouraged to take part in the consultation as their business may be affected by the change.