Scotland’s Marine Protected Area network in 2024 – where are we now?
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, […]
Why Scotland’s failure to protect its seas simply cannot continue
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 […]
Out of sight, out of mind? Why we should care about protecting the deep sea
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 […]
Marine protected area management – FAQs
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 […]
Scotland’s MPA network: ten years of delayed ocean conservation
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 […]
Upskilling the next generation of marine scientists and policy makers
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 […]