DOCSLIB.ORG

Scottish Marine Protected Areas Assessing the Impact on Fishing and Other Marine Users

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Scottish Marine Protected Areas Assessing the Impact on Fishing and Other Marine Users Scottish Marine Protected Areas Assessing the Impact on Fishing and other Marine Users Session 6: Socioeconomic Monitoring [REDACTED] Coastal Futures at the RGS, 18th January 2018 What is this talk about? • How can we conduct effective and efficient socioeconomic assessments of MPAs? • Scotland’s approach to assessing the first tranche of MPAs • Successes and limitations • Future monitoring and evaluation Background Scottish MPA network covers approximately 20% of Scotland's seas and comprises: • 1 Demonstration and Research MPA around Fair Isle • 8 Historic MPAs – sites of historical importance • 48 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the EU Habitats Directive • 45 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the EU Wild Birds Directive • 61 Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) • 31 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) MPA - Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 or the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 • Sites designated in 2014 (one 2017) • Management measures (fishing) introduced for first tranche in February 2016 • Highly detrimental to the fishing industry – ministerial commitment • Report assessed the impacts of the management measures six month post implementation (Feb - Sept 2016) Assessing socio-economic impacts? Assessing social and economic behavioural change • Social change: personal, work patterns, attitudes, education, lifestyle… • Economic change: productivity, costs, profits, wealth, wages, employment… MPAs (in most cases) are not established to achieve socioeconomic objectives therefore socioeconomic impacts from behavioural change are secondary or indirect impacts of this environmental regulation • this presents challenges for attributing socio-economic changes from of an environmental policy intervention - especially in the short term Inputs Activities Outputs Outcomes Impacts Environmental Changes • Benthic habitat protection and • Change in abundance of marine • Improved marine environment from recovery i.e. maerl beds habitats increase habitat coverage • Target species protection and • Change in abundance of target • Increase biomass of target species species • Increased commercial biomass Inputs from SG Activities by SG and recovery i.e. common skate • Protection of non-target species • Change in abundance of commercial which may spill over into adjacent and Stakeholders Stakeholders to associated with habitats or target species fishing grounds for implementing deliver MPAs species i.e. commercial fish MPAs Short Term Socioeconomic Changes (1-5 Years) • Regulations • Communication • • Number of fishing vessels • Funding (CLLD, • Changes in fishing • Regional GVA – fishing/marine Enforcement patterns/activities operating/fishing employment tourism EMFF) • Research • Changes in fish landings (quantity, • Fishing income/profits/GVA • Regional employment – fishing non- mix, locations) • Diversification in activities / fishing • Change in stakeholder conflict industries (fishing/tourism) • Investment/development in • Change in investment associated with MPAs (EMFF/CLLD + supporting infrastructure • Change in perceptions of MPAs private funding) • Improved stakeholder buy-in • Local perceptions on ‘value’ of MPAs /support/involvement in MPA. Medium/Long Term Socioeconomic Changes (5+ years) • Change in CPUE inside/outside • Higher incomes/ profits/ stability for • Improved sustainability for fishing MPA fishing vessels vessels (CPUE/environ. footprint) • Change/diversification in income- • Diversification in tourism and fishing • Education on marine resources and generating activities businesses marine stewardship • Change in tourist visitors • Regional GVA – fishing/marine • Improved relationships with • Change in diversity of MPA users tourism stakeholders and better scientific • Stakeholder involvement in • Better science data with advice monitoring and research stakeholder/public input (citizen • Legal framework fit-for-purpose • Regulatory review science) • Scotland’s environmental • Gaps in legislation addressed brand/overseas image Scotland’s Approach • Change in fishing activity • Change in fish landings – Change in seafood processing • Change non-fishing related marine sectors – aquaculture – coastal development – tourism • Change in local community activity Scotland’s Approach Inputs and Activities CHANGES IN FISHING ACTIVITY What was analysed • Nephrops (mobile trawl and static trap) • Scallops (mobile dredge) – landings into Scottish ports by UK vessels • within ICES area 27.6.a and ICES rectangles 38E4, 38E5 and 38E6 • Change in the number of effort days and the number of voyages between same period (Jan-Sept) in 2015 (baseline) and 2016 (management measures) to look for differences. Analysed: – by month; – the ICES rectangle fishing activity was declared in, and; – gear type • Key challenge – we have activities data by rectangle for <12m vessels, so fishing activity for said vessels is apportioned across each rectangle Why is that a problem? • East Mingulay – only know activity for 42E2 – MPA only a small part of the rectangle. • Small Isles – MPA crosses two rectangles (42E3, 43E3). • <12m vessels make up the bulk of the activity in inshore waters ICES rectangles associated with MPAs and impacted gear types Rectangle MPA associated with Gear types potentialy impacted 38E5 Luce Bay dredge 39E4 South Arran dredge trawl traps 40E4 Loch Sween dredge South Arran trawl traps 41E3 Treshnish Isles dredge 41E4 Loch Sween dredge Upper Loch Fyne trawl Loch Sunart traps 42E2 East Mingulay trawl traps 42E3 Small Isles dredge Treshnish Isles trawl Loch Sunart traps 42E4 Loch Sunart dredge Loch Creran trawl traps 43E3 Small Isles dredge trawl 43E4 Loch Duich dredge 44E4 Wester Ross dredge trawl 45E4 Wester Ross dredge Loch Laxford trawl NB: Analysis on vessels who fished in these rectangles (records and local knowledge) Gear type activity by rectangle from January to September 2015 & 2016 Mobile Drege Effort Days Voyages Change 2015-16 Change 2015-16 Overall increase in 2016 compared to 2015. Increase in Total for impacted rectangles 13% 12% activity in impacts rectangles as well as non-impacts Total for non-impacted rectangles 19% 15% rectangles Total for all 15% 13% Mobile Trawl Effort Days Voyages Change 2015-16 Change 2015-16 Overall decrease in 2016 compared to 2015. Decrease in Total for impacted activity in impacts rectangles as well as non-impacts rectangles -5% -9% Total for non-impacted rectangles rectangles -9% -13% Total for all -6% -10% Static Traps Overall decrease in 2016 compared to 2015. Increase in Effort Days Voyages Change 2015-16 Change 2015-16 activity in impacts rectangles and decrease in non-impacts Total for impacted rectangles 4% 2% rectangles Total for non-impacted rectangles -14% -9% Total for all -8% -5% Other factors driving behaviour? These figures are an indication of direction only. They are not the finalised figures. Please refer to the final report for an accurate assessment. Live weight (tonnes) landings by rectangle from Jan to Sept 2015 & 2016 Nephrops Live weight Overall increase in 2016 compared to 2015. Increase Change 2015-16 in activity in impacts rectangles as well as non- Total for impacted rectangles 24% impacts rectangles Total for non-impacted rectangles 4% Total for all 17% Other factors driving behaviour? Scallops • Industry’s and stakeholders view is it Live weight Change 2015-16 is too early to tell Total for impacted rectangles 10% • Impacts more likely over winter Total for non-impacted rectangles 18% months (not assessed) Total for all 13% • Shift in fishing and landing patterns These figures are an indication of direction only. They are not the finalised figures. and pressure on stocks outside MPA Please refer to the final report for an not yet measurable accurate assessment. Other Users • No impact on aquaculture • No change in tourism activity – measurable results from 2017 onwards • No decrease in raw material into processors, but reports of impact the size of animals. Impact on confidence in the industry • New community groups associated with MPAs – range of activities, including research • No impact to coastal development – but concerns that conservation status will impact on operations in the future Reflections • Report addressed the key question of whether the fishing industry has been significantly impacted – no evidence at this time • Opportunity to explore the scope of socio-economic monitoring and promote socio-economic monitoring as useful evidence • Assess the quality of data and data gaps • Collect views from industry and stakeholders on future monitoring Data Quality • Lack of spatial resolution is a major restriction – ICES rectangle level resolution is insufficient. • Change to Fish 1 forms • Scottish Inshore Fisheries Integrated Data System (SIFIDS) Project (EMFF - University of St Andrews (MASTS)) Conclusion Important points • 2016 data is not officially published data and has not been finalised. • It has not been through the full quality check process to ensure its accuracy and therefore it is subject to change. • The main issue for the quality of the statistics is the completeness of the information in the administrative system. • One of the issues the concerns the quality of the data is that it can only reflect the information supplied by the fishermen on their activity and catch. • The number of effort days for UK vessels are calculated using voyage data from the fishing logbook to determine the time spent fishing with each gear type and in each ICES rectangle. • Landings are apportioned to each rectangle based on the number of days
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Castle Sween Statement of Significance
    Property in Care (PIC) ID:PIC060 Designations: Scheduled Monument (SM90068) Taken into State care: 1933 (Ownership) Last reviewed: 2004 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE CASTLE SWEEN We continually revise our Statements of Significance, so they may vary in length, format and level of detail. While every effort is made to keep them up to date, they should not be considered a definitive or final assessment of our properties. Historic Environment Scotland – Scottish Charity No. SC045925 Principal Office: Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH © Historic Environment Scotland 2018 You may re-use this information (excluding logos and images) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit http://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence/version/3/ or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Any enquiries regarding this document should be sent to us at: Historic Environment Scotland Longmore House Salisbury Place Edinburgh EH9 1SH +44 (0) 131 668 8600 www.historicenvironment.scot You can download this publication from our website at www.historicenvironment.scot Historic Environment Scotland – Scottish Charity No. SC045925 Principal Office: Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH CASTLE SWEEN BRIEF DESCRIPTION Castle Sween is thought to be the earliest surviving stone castle on the Scottish Mainland. It sits on a low rocky ridge on the east shore of Loch Sween with a commanding prospect over Loch Sween and out to Jura.
    [Show full text]
  • Archaeological Excavations at Castle Sween, Knapdale, Argyll & Bute, 1989-90
    Proc Soc Antiq Scot, (1996)6 12 , 517-557 Archaeological excavation t Castlsa e Sween, Knapdale, Argyll & Bute, 1989-90 Gordon Ewart Triscottn Jo *& t with contributions by N M McQ Holmes, D Caldwell, H Stewart, F McCormick, T Holden & C Mills ABSTRACT Excavations Castleat Sween, Argyllin Bute,& have thrown castle of the history use lightthe on and from construction,s it presente 7200c th o t , day. forge A kilnsd evidencee an ar of industrial activity prior 1650.to Evidence rangesfor of buildings within courtyardthe amplifies previous descriptions castle. ofthe excavations The were funded Historicby Scotland (formerly SDD-HBM) alsowho supplied granta towards publicationthe costs. INTRODUCTION Castle Sween, a ruin in the care of Historic Scotland, stands on a low hill overlooking an inlet, Loch Sween, on the west side of Knapdale (NGR: NR 712 788, illus 1-3). Its history and architectural development have recently been reviewed thoroughl RCAHMe th y b y S (1992, 245-59) castle Th . e s theri e demonstrate havo dt e five major building phases datin c 1200 o earle gt th , y 13th century, c 1300 15te th ,h century 16th-17te th d an , h centur core y (illueTh . wor 120c 3) s f ko 0 consista f so small quadrilateral enclosure castle. A rectangular wing was added to its west face in the early 13th century. This win s rebuilgwa t abou t circulaa 1300 d an , r tower with latrinee grounth n o sd floor north-ease th o buils t n wa o t t enclosurcornee th 15te f o rth hn i ecentury l thesAl .
    [Show full text]
  • The Manse, Main Street, Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8DA Property Description
    The Manse, Main Street, Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8DA Property Description Five-bedroom extended detached bungalow located in the picturesque village of Kyle. Set within the beautiful Scottish landscape in the county of Ross-shire the property presents a wonderful opportunity to purchase on the much sought after northwest coast of Scotland. The bright and spacious property benefits from a flexible floor plan and good sized rooms throughout. It has scope for many future uses and has excellent features including double glazing and storage space. The accommodation comprises: Ground Floor - Entrance porch, hall, living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, five bedrooms, bathroom and shower room. Gross Internal Floor Area: 145 square metres. Externally the property features garden grounds to the front side and rear. The front garden is a mixture of grass, colourful trees and shrubbery. A driveway with space for numerous cars leads to a detached garage which offers a multi-use space. There is also a fully enclosed rear garden. Local Area Kyle of Lochalsh is a lively highland village with many local amenities including banks, shops, supermarket and butchers. There are many leisure activities in the area such as a leisure pool & gym, hotels, restaurants and bars. Additional facilities include a chemist, dentist surgery & medical centre. There is a primary school within the village and secondary schooling is available in the nearby village of Plockton to which a school bus runs daily. There is a railway station within the village which offers direct services to Inverness where the airport (106 miles) has regular domestic and international flights.
    [Show full text]
  • Argyll Bird Report with Sstematic List for the Year
    ARGYLL BIRD REPORT with Systematic List for the year 1998 Volume 15 (1999) PUBLISHED BY THE ARGYLL BIRD CLUB Cover picture: Barnacle Geese by Margaret Staley The Fifteenth ARGYLL BIRD REPORT with Systematic List for the year 1998 Edited by J.C.A. Craik Assisted by P.C. Daw Systematic List by P.C. Daw Published by the Argyll Bird Club (Scottish Charity Number SC008782) October 1999 Copyright: Argyll Bird Club Printed by Printworks Oban - ABOUT THE ARGYLL BIRD CLUB The Argyll Bird Club was formed in 19x5. Its main purpose is to play an active part in the promotion of ornithology in Argyll. It is recognised by the Inland Revenue as a charity in Scotland. The Club holds two one-day meetings each year, in spring and autumn. The venue of the spring meeting is rotated between different towns, including Dunoon, Oban. LochgilpheadandTarbert.Thc autumn meeting and AGM are usually held in Invenny or another conveniently central location. The Club organises field trips for members. It also publishes the annual Argyll Bird Report and a quarterly members’ newsletter, The Eider, which includes details of club activities, reports from meetings and field trips, and feature articles by members and others, Each year the subscription entitles you to the ArgyZl Bird Report, four issues of The Eider, and free admission to the two annual meetings. There are four kinds of membership: current rates (at 1 October 1999) are: Ordinary E10; Junior (under 17) E3; Family €15; Corporate E25 Subscriptions (by cheque or standing order) are due on 1 January. Anyonejoining after 1 Octoberis covered until the end of the following year.
    [Show full text]
  • Scotland Information for S1376
    European Community Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (92/43/EEC) Fourth Report by the United Kingdom under Article 17 on the implementation of the Directive from January 2013 to December 2018 Supporting documentation for the conservation status assessment for the species: S1376 ‐ Maerl (Lithothamnium corallioides) SCOTLAND IMPORTANT NOTE ‐ PLEASE READ • The information in this document is a country‐level contribution to the UK Reporton the conservation status of this species, submitted to the European Commission aspart of the 2019 UK Reporting under Article 17 of the EU Habitats Directive. • The 2019 Article 17 UK Approach document provides details on how this supporting information was used to produce the UK Report. • The UK Report on the conservation status of this species is provided in a separate doc‐ ument. • The reporting fields and options used are aligned to those set out in the European Com‐ mission guidance. • Explanatory notes (where provided) by the country are included at the end. These pro‐ vide an audit trail of relevant supporting information. • Some of the reporting fields have been left blank because either: (i) there was insuffi‐ cient information to complete the field; (ii) completion of the field was not obligatory; (iii) the field was not relevant to this species (section 12 Natura 2000 coverage forAnnex II species) and/or (iv) the field was only relevant at UK‐level (sections 9 Future prospects and 10 Conclusions). • For technical reasons, the country‐level future trends for Range, Population and Habitat for the species are only available in a separate spreadsheet that contains all the country‐ level supporting information.
    [Show full text]
  • Druidaig Lodge Brochure
    Druidaig Lodge Druidaig Lodge, Letterfearn Sleeps up to 12 + 5 Available from £2250 per week persons By the sea Pet friendly Has a real fireplace WiFi available Details Druidaig Lodge is a traditional, Edwardian sporting lodge, in a stunning location near the Isle of Skye, the Five Sisters of Kintail, Loch Duich and the famous Eilean Donan Castle. The lodge offers spacious self-catering accommodation for up to seventeen people in what must be one of the most popular and beautiful stretches of the west coast of Scotland. For sheer scenic beauty, Druidaig Lodge is an unbeatable holiday location and a perfect self catering choice for large groups or families, especially if you want to visit castles and tour the Isle of Skye and mainland Scotland, all of which are within easy reach. For those preferring a quiet relaxed holiday, there are five acres of garden grounds that lead down to the loch shore: from here the beautiful mountain backdrop surrounding this most attractive property is absolutely stunning. Fishing on Loch Duich and in the hill lochs above the house is included in the rental, and there is a private slipway on the loch where you can launch your own boat either for fun sailing or serious sea fishing. If you do not have your own boat, then sea fishing in Loch Duich is best achieved by renting a small boat in Letterfearn: salmon fishing on the River Croe at Kintail is also available. The area is also a haven for walkers, climbers and birdwatchers, and there is no end of possibilities here for enjoying all of these activities.
    [Show full text]
  • Access and Transport Baseline Report 2019
    Access and Transport Baseline Report 2019 Produced as part of the Wester Ross Destination Development Plan preliminary research Context Upwards of an estimated c.100,000 tourists visit Wester Ross each year, sustaining local communities through their input to the local economy and tourism accounts for 35% of employment[1]. However, in the current climate (Summer 2019) there are concerns that a rise in tourism of up to 27% (estimate[2]) over the past few years may not be sustainable. Although a different perspective is that this has followed a deep recession in the tourism industry and visitor numbers have yet to return to the high levels enjoyed during the 1990s, the current situation is exacerbated by Local Authority and Public Agency budget cuts which have resulted in plans to close public toilets and a deterioration in road quality. In addition, the type of visitor has changed, Wester Ross is welcoming large amounts of campervans which require waste disposal facilities which are not yet in place. Local people are reporting over-flowing carparks and bins, increasing litter pollution and irresponsible behaviour. It is not unusual for local residents to cite increased litter as a negative aspect of tourism[3] and this together with other perceived negative impacts can become challenging to tourism development as the host community begin to view visitors less than favourably. Therefore, the World Tourism Organisation advises regions to adopt a model for tourism management which considers the social as well as economical and environmental impacts of tourism[4]. Mass tourism is not going away[5]. But currently, there is no hard-empirical evidence on visitor numbers, expectations and behaviour or condition of assets in Wester Ross which would allow communities, businesses, local authorities and public agencies to plan proactively.
    [Show full text]
  • Knapdale Coastal Catchment Summary
    Published October 2010 Argyll and Lochaber area management plan catchment summaries Knapdale coastal catchment summary Introduction Knapdale coastal catchment covers 673 km2 and includes all the freshwater on the west side of Knapdale Peninsula from Tarbert in the south to Oban and the mouth of Loch Etive in the north as shown by the grey shading in Map 1. The catchment contains: 24 water bodies, four of which are heavily modified water bodies (HMWBs) and one is artificial; is adjacent to 15 coastal water bodies; contains/is adjacent to 16 protected areas. The main land-uses and water uses associated with catchment are forestry, agriculture and hydropower generation. Map 1: Area covered by Knapdale coastal catchment shown in grey Published October 2010 Further information on Knapdale coastal catchment can be found on the river basin planning interactive map – www.sepa.org.uk/water/river_basin_planning.aspx Classification summary Ecological No. WB ID Name WB category status (ES) WBs or potential (EP) High ES 2 10257 Allt Cinn-locha/Easan Tom River Luirg 10293 Abhainn na Cille River Good ES 18 10269 Barbreck River River 10299 Feochan Bheag River 10302 Feochan Mhor/River Nell (d/s River Loch Nell) 10303 Feochan Mhor/River Nell (u/s River Loch Nell) 200035 Loch na Cille Coastal 200052 Loch Craignish Coastal 200056 Loch Melfort Coastal 200058 Sound of Shuna Coastal 200062 Loch Feochan Coastal 200306 Loch Caolisport Coastal 200307 West Loch Tarbert (Kintyre) Coastal 200318 Sound of Jura Coastal 200321 Loch Crinan Coastal 200336 Loch Sween Coastal
    [Show full text]
  • Planning Scotland's Seas
    Planning Scotland’s Seas 2013 Possible Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas Consultation Overview Planning Scotland’s Seas 2013 Possible Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas Consultation Overview The Scottish Government, Edinburgh 2013 © Crown copyright 2013 You may re-use this information (excluding logos and images) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ or e-mail: [email protected]. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. This document is also available from our website at www.scotland.gov.uk. ISBN: 978-1-78256-764-6 The Scottish Government St Andrew’s House Edinburgh EH1 3DG Produced for the Scottish Government by APS Group Scotland DPPAS14502 (07/13) Published by the Scottish Government, July 2013 Ministerial Foreword We are at a monumental point in the history of Scotland‟s seas. This consultation provides everyone with an interest in our marine environment to help us develop a network of Marine Protected Areas to ensure that our marine ecosystems are resilient and can continue to support our society‟s needs for generations to come. At the same time we are also consulting on the draft National Marine Plan, draft sectoral marine plans for offshore renewable energy and priority marine features. Protecting rare, representative and productive species and habitats on the basis of sound science means we can keep on getting these benefits and enjoying the rich diversity of life in the waters around us.
    [Show full text]
  • Your Detailed Itinerary Scotland Kirkwall Lies to the East by the Day 1/2 Day 5 Day 8 A966
    Essential Scotland Essential Your Detailed Itinerary Scotland Kirkwall lies to the east by the Day 1/2 Day 5 Day 8 A966. Day 14 From Prestwick Airport, travel north to Go north from the city, on the A81 and Continue north via the Tay Road From Skye return to the mainland, Ardrossan to take the ferry to Arran, a A821, going through the heart of the Bridge for Dundee, to reach the turning south on the A87 to pass holiday-island for generations of Scots. Trossachs at the Duke’s Pass above Moray Firth coast via Aberdeen. Day 11 the iconic Eilean Donan Castle on Enjoy the gardens and the fine Aberfoyle, now part of the Loch On this north-facing coast are a Return to the mainland, retracing Loch Duich. Head east to reach the collections at Brodick Castle. Discover Lomond and Trossachs National good number of wildlife watching your journey down the A9 for Great Glen for Fort William, from the island’s story at the Arran Heritage Park, and the very byword for Scottish places, not just for seabirds but also Dingwall, from where you can go where take the A82 through Museum. The coastal roads right Highland scenery. From the Trossachs to spot the local dolphins, often west (A834/A835) for Garve, then Glencoe and across Rannoch Moor, round the island will also take you to area, go east to join the M9 and the seen from the shore, though boat Achnasheen (A832) and Kyle of simply one of the most atmospheric the Lochranza Distillery in the north.
    [Show full text]
  • Argyll 2017 Report
    Seasearch Argyll 2017 Report Owen Paisley, Seasearch Argyll Co-ordinator Loch Sween Maerl Bed, P. Bardsley Surveys During this year, 23 days diving took place, involving 22 divers and resulting in a total of 43 survey forms. Of these, roughly 75% were Surveyor forms and 25% were Observer forms - a marked increase in the proportion of Surveyor forms to Observer forms. Highlights of the year included finding regenerating serpulid reefs in West Loch Tarbert, recording a population of the anemone Anthopleura ballii at the Summer Isles, the incorporation of Seasearch into the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club (SSAC) training schedule and increasing involvement with community-led marine conservation groups. Courses & Promotion An Observer course was run in Fort William in 2017 with 9 participants, involving students from the University of the Highlands and Islands. A positive feature of 2017 was the growth of community groups associated with newly designated Marine Protected Areas. Over the year, diving was organised with the Sea Change group in Wester Ross and talks were given to the Friends of the Sound of Jura in Argyll and the CROMACH group based in Loch Craignish, again in Argyll. Two Seasearch talks were given at the SSAC dive conference in Stirling attended by 40 people and a presentation was given to community groups attending a community participative monitoring workshop in Oban organised by SNH. January Predictably the weather in January was pretty wild with gale force winds and heavy rain. None the less, some intrepid divers braved the cold to dive in West Loch Tarbert and Loch Shira. Native oysters were recorded in the West Loch along with horse mussels and relict serpulid reefs.
    [Show full text]
  • COAST Response to the Scottish Government Consultation on the Management of Inshore Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Protected Areas
    COAST response to the Scottish Government Consultation on the management of inshore Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Protected Areas 1. Introduction The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) has been campaigning for measures to recover marine life and fish stocks in the Firth of Clyde since 1995. We established the Lamlash Bay No Take Zone in 2008 and were the main driving force behind the designation of the South Arran Marine Protected Area in 2014. In the same year we were presented with a Nature of Scotland Award for marine conservation. COAST congratulates the Scottish Government, Marine Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage for achieving the designation of 30 Marine Protected Areas around the shores of Scotland. In particular we would like to thank the individuals who have been at the front line of this process. We appreciate the amount of time and effort that has gone into this project against a backdrop of limited resources and strong opposition from vested interests and lobby groups. COAST’s broad comments on the wider network and South Arran MPA are given below followed by our answers to the questions asked in the consultation questionnaire. 2. Consultation process This is the second of three 12 week consultations undertaken as part of the South Arran MPA designation and management decision process. The fact that the public’s declared preferred option in this consultation - a complete ban on bottom active gear - is not included in Marine Scotland’s options is to be regretted (a summary of respondent’s views on the designation consultation is attached).
    [Show full text]