Scottish Government stops plans for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA)
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Plans to deliver the much contested Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) will not be progressed.
It follows a public consultation which ran earlier in the year on the principles of HPMA policy in Scotland and attracted thousands of responses.
Under the original plans HPMAs would have banned fishing activities on at least 10 per cent of Scotland's seas by 2026 – this saw fierce backlash from those in the industry.
Addressing the Scottish Parliament, Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan has said that instead the Scottish Government will take more time to work with industry, communities and conservation organisations to enhance marine protection.
Ms McAllan said: “We are in the midst of a nature and climate crisis and we must be prepared to take action commensurate with the scale of that challenge.
“Failure to safeguard and improve the resilience of Scotland’s marine ecosystems to a changing climate risks the very basis on which our marine industries and coastal communities are built.
“We chose to consult as early and widely as possible on the principles of HPMAs, with no pre-determined sites. It has always been, and continues to be, this government’s plan to work cooperatively with communities to identify how and where to enhance marine protection in a way that minimises impact and maximises opportunity.
“Therefore, while we remain firmly committed to the outcome of enhanced marine protection, the proposal as consulted on will not be progressed.
“I will outline more on our next steps after the summer recess, but I hope that it is clear that I am determined to protect our oceans in a way that is fair, and to find a way forward that ensures our seas remain a source of prosperity for the nation, especially in our remote, coastal and island communities.”
MSP Kate Forbes has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to halt controversial plans for Highly Protected Marine Areas and urged island communities to continue to engage with future marine protection consultations.
The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP has said that any future proposal must be shaped by fishermen and communities.
Forbes commented: “This is a welcome change in tack by the Scottish Government. I am relieved that the Scottish Government has agreed to halt the proposal for Highly Protected Marine Areas as consulted on earlier this year.
“I said in March that I would ditch HPMAs if elected as leader, knowing how widespread opposition was amongst coastal communities. That was born of genuine fear for the future of rural communities, as fishing is a lifeline for many.
“I am grateful to the Cabinet Secretary who has listened to appeals from across Scotland and acted decisively. This announcement will come as an immense relief to those who. understood the risk to coastal communities from the very beginning.
“Of course, it is now critical that any new proposals for marine protected areas take into account communities’ views, fishermen’s lived experiences and the importance of a truly just transition. I have confidence in any new proposals that are shaped by fishermen.”
A full response to the consultation and the next steps will be published after summer recess.
