Save Scottish Seas

Read all our latest news here including press releases, blogs, social media posts and upcoming events.

An orange flameshell underwater

Scotland’s Marine Protected Area network in 2024 – where are we now?

19 Dec 2024

Introduction Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated spaces of the ocean and seas where human activities are regulated to protect natural resources and biodiversity. These areas are well-evidenced conservation tools to preserve marine species and habitats  and enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems against threats such as climate change and overfishing. Scotland, like many countries, […]

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Why Scotland’s failure to protect its seas simply cannot continue

30 Sep 2024

This piece first appeared in Scotland on Sunday on the 29th of September, 2024. Who doesn’t love a sea view? Scotland has glorious ocean vistas by the bucketload. But looking out to the horizon, we rarely think about what’s beyond view, deep below the surface. Scotland’s deep seas are home to extraordinary creatures, from whales […]

A firework anemone in the deep sea

Out of sight, out of mind? Why we should care about protecting the deep sea

05 Sep 2024

The deep sea is one of those mysterious parts of planet earth – or should that be planet ocean? It’s so far away and out of reach that most people only hear about it occasionally in the news or on wildlife documentaries. But did you know that deep sea ecosystems have a powerful influence on […]

A rocky reef with dead man's fingers and shoaling fish in Loch nam Madadh, North Uist

Marine protected area management – FAQs

26 Aug 2024

What are marine protected areas (MPAs)? Marine protected areas (MPAs) are like nature reserves underwater. They are defined areas of the sea set aside to protect and restore important or vulnerable marine species, habitats or ecosystems (communities of living creatures). Usually certain activities are managed (restricted or changed) within MPAs to reduce or prevent damage […]

Grey seals on a beach in Caithness

Scotland’s MPA network: ten years of delayed ocean conservation

24 Jul 2024

By Esther Brooker, Fanny Royanez (Scottish Environment LINK) and Rebecca Crawford (Scottish Wildlife Trust)  It has been 10 years since a suite of 30 new nature conservation marine protected areas (MPAs) were designated in Scotland’s seas under Scottish and UK law. These were in addition to the MPAs already designated under European law. The purpose […]

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Upskilling the next generation of marine scientists and policy makers

15 Jul 2024

Blog by Fanny Royanez, Marine Policy and Engagement Officer at Scottish Environment LINK. Today, on the 15th of July, we celebrate the 10th World Youth Skills Day, a day dedicated to empowering young people by equipping them with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship as well as for addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable […]

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Sharing our blue space: Sea Scotland 2024 summary

12 Jun 2024

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 […]

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Mind the MPA gap: Scotland still has a long way to go to protect its marine treasures

05 Jun 2024

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 […]

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Scotland’s marine protected areas need real protection

21 Feb 2024

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 […]

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