Sharing our blue space: Sea Scotland 2024 summary
Deborah Long, Scottish Environment LINK Chief Officer retraces Sea Scotland 2024, which was held on 3rd and 4th June at Stirling Court Hotel. Sea Scotland 2024 kicked off with our morning youth event, Making waves: Sea Scotland Youth Voices. An enthusiastic, knowledgeable and thoughtful group of 15 young people came together to find out more […]
Mind the MPA gap: Scotland still has a long way to go to protect its marine treasures
Scotland’s stunning coastline and rich marine biodiversity are celebrated worldwide. To better protect these fragile ecosystems, the Scottish Government has established a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). However, a new research report has recently shed light on the pressing need for greater protection within this network. In this blog post, we’ll delve into this […]
Scotland’s marine protected areas need real protection
Scotland’s seas are renowned for their rich biodiversity. From fish to birds, marine mammals to invertebrates, they are home to thousands of fantastic species of plants and animals. They are loved by communities, are a key component of Scotland’s cultural heritage and identity, as well as a vital resource for those who rely on marine […]
Ocean recovery zones are vital to restoring our seas to health
Scotland’s seas are amazing, and they matter to us all. Many people will be spending time on Scotland’s coasts this summer - rain or shine. Even just a day trip to the beach can feel like a little holiday, refreshing and replenishing us. That’s not all, of course. As anyone who watched the ocean episode of David Attenborough’s Wild Isles series will know, our seas are home to the most fantastic array of wildlife, much of which is hidden deep beneath the waves.
Evidence Base Briefing on HPMAs
Summary: There is a very strong global evidence base showing that Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) have a positive impact ecologically and can support the fishing industry. HPMAs, also known as marine reserves or no take zones, act as nurseries and refuges and as such benefit marine species and habitats both within the protected area […]
Highly Protected Marine Areas – FAQs
What are “Highly Protected Marine Areas” (HPMAs)? Highly Protected Marine Areas are areas of the sea that are placed under strict protection to support ecosystem recovery and protect against climate change. The Scottish Government has committed to giving a small proportion – just 10% – of our seas this strict protection. This is in line […]