Leading Scottish conservation charity the Scottish Wildlife Trust has today welcomed historic plans to protect Scotland’s important marine wildlife.
The launch of the 16-week public consultation is an important milestone in the campaign for improved management of Scotland’s seas stretching back more than a decade.
The public are now being asked their views on proposals to create new Marine Protected Areas alongside the first national plan for sustainable development in Scottish waters.
The proposals include 33 possible Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) aimed at safeguarding the most important natural features in the seas around Scotland.
The areas include Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh, which contains one of the largest flame shell reefs in the world, only recently discovered.
The first of a series of public events to allow people to learn more about the historic plans will take place in Edinburgh on the 19th of August.
Director of Conservation at Scottish Wildlife Trust, Jonathan Hughes, said “After many years of the Scottish Wildlife Trust making a compelling scientific case for better management of our seas, we are delighted to see proper marine protection edging closer to reality.
“Marine Protected Areas are a globally tried and tested means of safeguarding precious marine life and all the people of Scotland stand to benefit from these measures, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on healthy oceans.
“We are not there yet though – the future success of the plans will depend on political will and community support, so the Scottish Wildlife Trust urges everybody to get involved and show how much they care about the health of our seas.”
Click here for more information on our Marine Protected Areas campaign.
The Scottish Government's consultation documents are available by clicking here.