The consultation for fisheries management measures for inshore MPAs that still require them and for 11 the PMFs most sensitive to bottom-contacting fishing gear outside network was launched on 14th September 2026
\r\n\r\nThere\u202fare\u202f6 map layers associated with the consultation that feature on MS Maps NMPI:\u202f
\r\n\r\nProposed site-specific management measures for NCMPAs that informed Option 1 - Proposed Fisheries Management Measures for Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas in Scottish Waters Consultation - 2026
\r\n\tProposed site-specific management measures for NCMPAs that informed Option 2 - Proposed Fisheries Management Measures for Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas in Scottish Waters Consultation - 2026
\r\n\tProposed site-specific management measures for SACs that informed Option 1 - Proposed Fisheries Management Measures for Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas in Scottish Waters Consultation - 2026
\r\n\tProposed site-specific management measures for SACs that informed Option 2 - Proposed Fisheries Management Measures for Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas in Scottish Waters Consultation \u2013 2026
\r\n\tProposed site-specific management measures for SPAs that informed Option 1 - Proposed Fisheries Management Measures for Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas in Scottish Waters Consultation - 2026
\r\n\tProposed site-specific management measures for SPAs that informed Option 2 - Proposed Fisheries Management Measures for Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas in Scottish Waters Consultation - 2026
\r\n\tNature Conservation Marine Protected Areas (NCMPAs) are sites within the marine environment,\u202fdesignated\u202funder sections 67 and 68 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010,\u202faimed at conserving marine biodiversity,\u202fprotecting vulnerable species, habitats, and geological features. The sites have been designated following MPA selection guidelines and assigned site specific conservation objectives.
\r\n\r\nThe\u202fMarine (Scotland) Act 2010\u202fprovides for the designation of NCMPAs in Scottish\u202finshore\u202fwaters.\u202f
\r\n\r\nSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)\u202f-\u202f are\u202fprotected areas for habitats and species listed in the EU Habitats Directive, such as reefs and bottlenose dolphin.\u202f
\r\n\r\nThe EU Habitats Directive sets\u202fout a requirement for\u202fthe\u202fdesignation of SACs\u202fto protect certain species and habitats listed in Annexes I and II. Since leaving the EU these requirements have been transposed\u202finto\u202f regulations\u202fwhich cover Scotland\u2019s land and seas;\u202f
\r\n\r\nThe Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994\u202fin relation to Scottish Territorial Waters.\u202f\u202f
\r\n\tSpecial Protection areas (SPAs)\u202f-\u202fwhich are\u202fprotected areas for wild birds listed in Annex 1 of the EU Wild Birds Directive, or for regularly occurring migratory species.\u202f
\r\n\r\nThey are selected using the UK SPA Selection Guidelines, and in Scotland they are classified under the Birds Directive through the following domestic legislation:
\r\n\r\nWildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) \u2013 applies to terrestrial and inshore waters (0\u201312 nm).
\r\n\tThe Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended in Scotland) \u2013 provides the regulatory mechanism for SPA classification and protection within Scottish inshore waters.
\r\n\tNCMPAs, SACs and SPAs can be collectively referred to as MPAs.
\r\n\r\nThese site-specific management measures may differ from site information in the consultation documentation and on the consultation platform. We have amalgamated some proposed overlapping measures into the MPA maps and highlighted where other possible overlapping measures for specific gear types may occur. When looking at sites individually, where there is an overlap for specific gear types, it would be the highest proposed measure that would apply in the overlapping area.
\r\n\r\nThis information page is part of the theme:\u202f\u202f
\r\n\r\nProtected Areas\u202f
\r\n","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"The consultation for fisheries management measures for inshore MPAs that still require them and for 11 the PMFs most sensitive to bottom-contacting fishing gear outside network was launched on 14th September 2026\u00a0
\nThere\u202fare\u202f6 map layers associated with the consultation that feature on MS Maps NMPI:\u202f\u00a0
\nNature Conservation Marine Protected Areas (NCMPAs)\u00a0are sites within the marine environment,\u202fdesignated\u202funder sections 67 and 68 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010,\u202faimed at conserving marine biodiversity,\u202fprotecting vulnerable species, habitats, and geological features. The sites have\u00a0been\u00a0 designated\u00a0following\u00a0MPA selection guidelines\u00a0and assigned site specific conservation\u00a0objectives.\u00a0
\nThe\u202fMarine (Scotland) Act 2010\u202fprovides for the designation of NCMPAs in Scottish\u202finshore\u202fwaters.\u202f\u00a0
\nSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)\u202f-\u202f are\u202fprotected areas for habitats and species listed in the\u00a0EU\u00a0Habitats Directive, such as reefs and bottlenose dolphin.\u202f\u00a0
\nThe EU Habitats Directive sets\u202fout a requirement for\u202fthe\u202fdesignation of SACs\u202fto protect certain species and habitats listed in Annexes I and II. Since leaving the EU these requirements have been transposed\u202finto\u202f regulations\u202fwhich cover Scotland\u2019s land and seas;\u202f\u00a0
\nSpecial Protection areas (SPAs)\u202f-\u202fwhich are\u202fprotected areas for wild birds listed in Annex 1 of the EU Wild Birds Directive, or for regularly occurring migratory species.\u202f\u00a0
\nThey are selected using the UK SPA Selection Guidelines, and in Scotland they are classified under the Birds Directive through the following domestic legislation:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nNCMPAs, SACs and SPAs can be collectively referred to as MPAs.\u00a0\u00a0
\nThese site-specific management measures may differ from site information in the consultation documentation and on the consultation platform. We have amalgamated some proposed overlapping measures into the MPA maps and highlighted where other possible overlapping measures for specific gear types may occur. When looking at sites individually, where there is an overlap for specific gear types,\u00a0it\u00a0 would\u00a0be the highest proposed measure that\u00a0would apply in the\u00a0overlapping area.\u00a0\u00a0
\nThis information page is part of the theme:\u202f\u202f\u00a0
\nProtected Areas\u202f\u00a0
\n"}]},"field_information_theme":{"und":[{"tid":"26"}]},"field_infomration_images":{"und":[{"fid":"290153","uid":"58845","filename":"screenshot_final_mpa_layers_ffly_leg.jpg","uri":"public://screenshot_final_mpa_layers_ffly_leg.jpg","filemime":"image/jpeg","filesize":"41501","status":"1","timestamp":"1789118851","type":"image","field_tags":[],"field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":{"und":[{"value":"NCMPA, SAC and SPA (Option 1) for Fisheries Management Consultation 2026","format":null,"safe_value":"NCMPA, SAC and SPA (Option 1) for Fisheries Management Consultation 2026"}]},"rdf_mapping":[],"title":"NCMPA, SAC and SPA (Option 1) for Fisheries Management Consultation 2026","alt":"","metadata":{"height":512,"width":428},"height":"512","width":"428"}]},"field_information_marine_atlas":{"und":[{"tid":"807"}]},"field_information_more_info":{"und":[{"value":"The layers show site-specific proposed fisheries management measures within Scotland\u2019s Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), covering the inshore region from 0 to 12 nautical miles, with some measures applying to offshore areas where sites overlap the offshore region.
\r\n\r\nThese are:
\r\n\r\nOuter Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA;
\r\n\tSeas off Foula SPA; and
\r\n\tSeas off St Kilda SPA
\r\n\tThe aim is to ensure these areas are managed to meet their conservation objectives. Safeguarding these habitats will support healthier and more diverse marine ecosystems, improving overall biodiversity.
\r\n\r\nThe Scottish MPA network is underpinned by a variety of different legislation depending on whether the site is located in the inshore or offshore region, and the types of features they protect. Sites designated for nature conservation purposes should be managed as needed in a way that conserves the habitats and species for which the sites have been designated.
\r\n\r\nThe proposed fisheries management measures have been developed individually for each designation, Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas (NCMPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) using the best available scientific evidence on the potential impacts of different types of fishing gear on protected features. The development of these measures involved significant engagement with stakeholders, including the fishing industry and environmental organisations. The public consultation on proposed fisheries management measures includes 76 inshore MPAs, forming a key part of the collaborative policy development process.
\r\n\r\nThe proposed measures set out site-specific restrictions on fishing activity. These may apply across entire MPAs or be zonal, depending on the sensitivity and distribution of protected features within each site.
\r\n\r\nThese measures contribute to the protection and recovery of important marine ecosystems. Safeguarding these habitats not only helps preserve biodiversity but also supports the long-term health and resilience of Scotland\u2019s seas.
\r\n\r\nThe consultation launched on Monday 14th September 2026 and\u202ffollows\u202fon from the discussions that began in 2017/18 and is where fisheries management measures for MPAs are proposed.\u202f
\r\n","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"The layers show site-specific proposed fisheries management measures within Scotland\u2019s Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), covering the inshore region from 0 to 12 nautical miles, with some measures applying to offshore areas where sites overlap the offshore region.\u00a0
\nThese are:\u00a0\u00a0
\nThe aim is to ensure these areas are managed to meet their conservation objectives. Safeguarding these habitats will support healthier and more diverse marine ecosystems, improving overall biodiversity.\u00a0
\nThe Scottish MPA network is underpinned by a variety of different legislation depending on whether the site is located in the inshore or offshore region, and the types of features they protect. Sites designated for nature conservation purposes should be managed as needed in a way that conserves the habitats and species for which the sites have been designated.\u00a0\u00a0
\nThe proposed fisheries management measures have been developed individually for each designation, Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas (NCMPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) using the best available scientific evidence on the potential impacts of different types of fishing gear on protected features. The development of these measures involved significant engagement with stakeholders, including the fishing industry and environmental organisations. The public consultation on proposed fisheries management measures includes 76 inshore MPAs, forming a key part of the collaborative policy development process.\u00a0
\nThe proposed measures set out site-specific restrictions on fishing activity. These may apply across entire MPAs or be zonal, depending on the sensitivity and distribution of protected features within each site.\u00a0
\nThese measures contribute to the protection and recovery of important marine ecosystems. Safeguarding these habitats not only helps preserve biodiversity but also supports the long-term health and resilience of Scotland\u2019s seas.\u00a0
\nThe consultation launched on Monday 14th September 2026 and\u202ffollows\u202fon from the discussions that began in 2017/18 and is where fisheries management measures for MPAs are proposed.\u202f\u00a0
\n"}]},"field_infomration_data_link":[],"field_information_map_link":{"und":[{"target_id":"26832"},{"target_id":"26831"},{"target_id":"15250"},{"target_id":"15249"},{"target_id":"15246"},{"target_id":"15248"},{"target_id":"15247"}]},"field_information_related_data":{"und":[{"target_id":"26971"}]},"field_data_owner":{"und":[{"tid":"2169"},{"tid":"874"}]},"field_nmp_links":[],"rdf_mapping":{"rdftype":["sioc:Item","foaf:Document"],"title":{"predicates":["dc:title"],"type":"property"},"created":{"predicates":["dc:date","dc:created"],"datatype":"xsd:dateTime","callback":"date_iso8601"},"changed":{"predicates":["dc:modified"],"datatype":"xsd:dateTime","callback":"date_iso8601"},"body":{"predicates":["content:encoded"]},"uid":{"predicates":["sioc:has_creator"],"type":"rel"},"name":{"predicates":["foaf:name"]},"comment_count":{"predicates":["sioc:num_replies"],"datatype":"xsd:integer"},"last_activity":{"predicates":["sioc:last_activity_date"],"datatype":"xsd:dateTime","callback":"date_iso8601"}},"path":"https://marine.gov.scot/?q=node/28181","name":"RobertW","picture":"0","data":"a:5:{s:16:\"ckeditor_default\";s:1:\"t\";s:20:\"ckeditor_show_toggle\";s:1:\"t\";s:14:\"ckeditor_width\";s:4:\"100%\";s:13:\"ckeditor_lang\";s:2:\"en\";s:18:\"ckeditor_auto_lang\";s:1:\"t\";}","workbench_moderation":{"current":{"hid":"165305","vid":"157081","nid":"28181","from_state":"draft","state":"published","uid":"58845","stamp":"1789119014","published":"1","is_current":1,"title":"Proposed Fisheries Management Measures for Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas in Scottish Waters Consultation \u2013 2026 ","timestamp":"1789119014"},"published":{"hid":"165305","vid":"157081","nid":"28181","from_state":"draft","state":"published","uid":"58845","stamp":"1789119014","published":"1","is_current":1,"title":"Proposed Fisheries Management Measures for Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas in Scottish Waters Consultation \u2013 2026 ","timestamp":"1789119014"},"my_revision":{"hid":"165305","vid":"157081","nid":"28181","from_state":"draft","state":"published","uid":"58845","stamp":"1789119014","published":"1","is_current":1,"title":"Proposed Fisheries Management Measures for Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas in Scottish Waters Consultation \u2013 2026 ","timestamp":"1789119014"}}}