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 and there can be different types of management depending on what the MPA is designed to protect.
Why do we need MPAs?
Our seas are in crisis. In 2019, Scotland declared a twin global climate and nature emergency. Climate change and human activities are causing widespread damage to marine life and habitats. Declines in species like cod, haddock, and seabirds are just some examples of the pressures our seas are facing. Scotland is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Progress to tackle these crises and reverse the widespread decline in nature is slow.
MPAs are essential for protecting and restoring our marine environment. They provide safe havens for marine life to help prevent further decline in nature. Evidence from around the world shows that MPAs can help to rebuild fish stocks, protect biodiversity, and improve the overall health of our oceans.
Scotland’s MPA network already covers 37% of its seas – this is great, isn’t it?
While Scotland has a large MPA network on paper, these are simply lines on a map without effective management. To truly protect our seas, we need to restrict harmful activities within MPAs. Species and habitats for protection (Priority Marine Features – PMFs) have been identified based on the risks they face, so it’s crucial to put in place measures to prevent damage. The majority of Scotland’s MPAs don’t have restrictions in place for some of the most damaging or widespread pressures in the sea.
What activities need to be restricted within MPAs?
The main focus for MPA management is currently on fishing activities, particularly bottom-towed gears that can damage seabed habitats. Other activities like aquaculture and renewable energy are already managed through licensing processes (although the combined effect of all activities on MPAs and the features they protect is still not well understood and assessed).
Does MPA management pose a risk to small scale fishing businesses who may have more limited options for fishing grounds?
We understand the concerns of small-scale fishing businesses. While some changes may be necessary, the long-term aim is to enable sustainable, lower impact fishing practices, at levels where the environment can thrive. We believe sustainable fishing activities should be supported through any transition and should be able to benefit from improved opportunities provided by a healthier environment.
Are these management measures the same as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs)?
No. The current MPA management proposals have been developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders since 2014. The commitment to HPMAs was introduced more recently in 2021 though the Bute House Agreement, in keeping with EU and international targets to strictly protect 10% of land and sea, and proposals were largely developed by the Scottish Government.
While the idea of strictly protected areas has merit in principle for the recovery of nature, we believe it’s essential to first focus on completing and effectively managing our existing MPA network. This should be a priority and has been delayed for a decade.
Exploring any further actions that will be needed to enable nature recovery and align with global law/commitments should be done in collaboration with all stakeholders, including communities.
Who will benefit from well-managed MPAs?
Everyone stands to benefit from healthy seas. Well-managed MPAs can improve species, the habitats they live in, and ecosystem health, which in turn supports commercial fish stocks. Beyond economic benefits, healthier seas contribute to improved wellbeing, stronger coastal communities, and increased opportunities for tourism and employment.
If these MPA management measures are implemented, will Scotland’s seas become more healthy?
MPAs are one important tool for improving ocean health, but they are not a silver bullet to all the problems in the ocean. To fully restore our seas, we need a combined approach that includes MPAs, species conservation efforts, and wider measures such as effective marine planning and management of fishing beyond MPAs. By working together, we can create a thriving marine environment for future generations.
What needs to happen next to get the MPA management measures in place?
Urgent action is needed. The Scottish Government must prioritise and better resource the publication of outstanding fisheries management proposals for public consultation. Once these proposals are finalised, they must be implemented without delay.
Right now, the Scottish government is asking for people’s views on proposed restrictions for our ‘offshore’ marine protected areas – those between 12 and 200 nautical miles from the shore.
Image credit: George Stoyle, NatureScot