Proposed Special Protection Areas for Scottish marine birds: Supplementary Consultation on SEA and site classification

Overview

On 14 September 2018 Marine Scotland published an Environmental Report (ER) and associated Network Assessment on proposed Special Protection Areas (pSPAs) for Scottish marine birds. Views were invited on the ER, the approach taken by the Network Assessment and the conclusions which had been reached. In light of the comments received, we are taking this further opportunity to clarify and update our position on a number of points.

This supplementary consultation seeks views on an updated ER. The Reasonable Alternatives considered by the updated ER supersede those assessed under the September 2018 SEA. This is because respondents to the previous consultation asked for more information, greater clarity and suggested additional alternatives. We have also taken the opportunity to update our preferred policy recommendation on classification of the pSPAs in light of Final Advice to Scottish Minsters from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).

Read the consultation paper.

What happens next

Where respondents have given permission for their response to be made public, and after we have checked that they contain no potentially defamatory material, responses will be made available to the public here. If you use the consultation hub to respond, you will receive a copy of your response via email.

Following the closing date, all responses will be analysed and considered along with any other available evidence to help us. Responses will be published where we have been given permission to do so. An analysis report will also be made available.