Response to Scottish Government consultation on marine bird Special Protection Areas

Summary

• LINK members strongly support the proposal to classify five SPAs in Scottish offshore waters.
• LINK members support the Scottish Government’s commitment to safeguarding and enhancing
  marine biodiversity through the implementation of EU legislation.
• SPAs are required to meet obligations under the EU Birds Directive and LINK members believe
  that the scientific evidence presented fully justifies the case for classification.
• Sound management is now required and statutory agencies must have sufficient resources to
  assess site condition in order to achieve the conservation objectives.
• The five pSPAs, if designated and well managed, will provide a valuable contribution towards
  Scotland’s MPA network.