Pledge to consult more on marine protection plans

A PLEDGE has been made to engage in further talks with coastal communities and the fishing industry, regarding plans to set up marine conservation areas.

Says a Scottish Government announcement, here: “Addressing the Scottish Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary [Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan] said proposals consulted on to implement Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) across ten per cent of Scotland’s seas by 2026 will not be progressed.

“Instead, the Scottish Government will take more time to work with industry, communities and conservation organisations to enhance marine protection, while supporting any groups that wish to pursue community-led marine protection in their local area on a quicker timescale, such as those initiatives in Lamlash Bay on Arran and St Abbs & Eyemouth in Berwickshire.”

The announcement of a “new pathway and timetable” follows several calls for a reconsideration, as reported, here, by The Herald newspaper.

Pictured: Eyemouth, Picture credit: Place Design Scotland

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