Announcement of 30 Marine Protected Areas in Scotland

On the 24th July 2014 30 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) were designated in accordance with the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (for the Scottish inshore MPAs) and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (for the offshore MPAs). 17 of the MPAs, recommended by Scottish Natural Heritage, have been designated in Scotland’s territorial (inshore) waters, and a further 13, recommended by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), have been designated in areas offshore. These MPAs seek to protect marine wildlife, promoting biodiversity and future enjoyment. The new MPAs contribute to the OSPAR North East Atlantic MPA network and will be incorporated into Scotland’s National Marine Plan and be available to view on ‘National Marine Plan interactive’. For more information follow this link.