Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Between 19 August and 14 October 2024, the Scottish Government consulted on proposed fisheries management measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). In total, management measures for 20 MPAs were consulted on, with 15 of these sites having two options proposed (either zonal or full site closure) and the other five only having one option proposed (full site closure). Views were also sought on a proposed amendment to the boundary of the West of Scotland MPA. 

Additionally, the consultation asked for views on a range of supporting documents, including Sustainability Appraisal (SA), draft Fisheries Assessments, Strategic Environmental Report (SEA), Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA), partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessments (BRIAs) and partial Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA). 

The consultation included a mix of closed and open-ended questions. 

In total, the consultation received 3,881 valid responses, with 97% submitted by individuals and 3% by organisations. Campaign responses accounted for 95% of submissions. 

Responses to the consultation revealed a fundamental divide between advocates of conservation and industry stakeholders when it came to proposals for zonal or full site measures. 

Respondents preferring zonal measures argued that these approaches were informed by extensive stakeholder collaboration and designed to balance environmental objectives with the continuation of fishing activities. This approach was also viewed as vital for maintaining economic resilience and food security.  

However, critics of zonal measures warned of potential fragmentation in protection, arguing that leaving certain ecological features unprotected could compromise conservation goals and fail to adequately address the pressures on sensitive habitats and species. 

Advocates for full site measures stressed the necessity of comprehensive protection to restore ecosystems to favourable conservation status. These respondents argued that full site approaches better align with international conservation obligations and enhance resilience to climate change by preserving biodiversity. 

Regarding the proposed boundary amendment to the West of Scotland MPA, half of respondents (50%) were in favour with only 10% expressing opposition. The remaining 40% of respondents expressed neutrality. 

In relation to the supporting documents many respondents urged for a more balanced set of assessments, incorporating comprehensive cost-benefit analyses and long term ecosystem considerations. They wanted more emphasis on economic benefits of measures and a greater consideration given to potential displacement impacts of fishing activity. In relation to the SEA, some respondents expressed approval that it provided a good summary and, due to the current lack of benchmark evidence, it is useful for future reference as a point of comparison. 

The Scottish Government is grateful to everyone who engaged with and provided a response to this consultation. Responses have been collated and analysed by external contractors who have produced a consultation analysis report which was published on 31 January 2025. The report is available to read online: Fisheries management measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): consultation analysis. 

The key findings from this report will be taken into account when decisions on management measures and the West of Scotland MPA boundary are made later this year. The intention is for relevant Scottish Statutory Instruments (SSIs) to be laid in the Scottish Parliament and, subject to the parliamentary process, for these to come into effect in 2025.