Scotland’s largest conservation charity supports new marine protections

The Trust cares for significant stretches coastlines and islands, such as Fair Isle, Canna and St Kilda. We have long advocated additional protections to ensure the wellbeing and recovery of Scotland’s sea habitats in order to sustain the marine and avian species that depend upon them and, ultimately, to mitigate against climate change.

The seas around St Kilda are one of the new areas receiving special protection status.

Stuart continued: ‘For example, the new Seas off St Kilda SPA will strengthen protections for the marine foraging area and prey on which the millions of seabirds that St Kilda is famous for depend upon. The new MPAs will also enhance protection for species like basking sharks and Rosso’s dolphins, as well as protect marine geological features.

‘However, we strongly encourage the Scottish Government to go further to fully protect our seas and wildlife for current and future generations. To function effectively, SPA and MPA designations must be supported by strong management plans and appropriate investment. There must also be adequate enforcement of existing restrictions in protected areas.

‘The Trust is also concerned that the proposed SPAs around Scapa Flow and the area north of the Orkney mainland have not been taken forward. We encourage the Scottish Government to work to progress these sites to protect wintering bird populations as well as the feeding grounds of bird populations in the North East.

‘We’re acutely aware that existential threats still exist to protected areas – such as the proposals by MOWI to establish a potentially damaging large-scale salmon farm in the Sound of Canna – and we hope today’s announcement heralds a new determination to ensure such threats are minimised.’