Whether it will provide an update on the action being taken to further increase protection for Marine Protected Areas and Priority Marine F…

The Scottish Government is pleased to announce that the consultation on proposed fisheries management measures for inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) management areas in Scottish waters has today been launched: https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/fisheries-management-measures-for-inshore-mpas/. Scotland’s seas are a shared resource and protecting them means safeguarding marine habitats and species while supporting long-term sustainability of the industries and communities that depend upon them. This consultation seeks views on proposed fisheries management measures that will further protect the inshore MPA network and the 11 PMFs most sensitive to bottom-contacting mobile fishing gears, which are habitats and species of national conservation importance. The development of these proposals has been informed by years of stakeholder engagement, scientific evidence gathering and discussion with representatives from the fishing industry, environmental organisations, coastal communities, local authorities, and other interested parties. Given the scale and complexity of the proposals, covering more than 160 sites and areas across Scotland’s inshore waters, the consultation has been extended beyond the standard 12-week duration and will run until 18 January 2027, going beyond the intended sixteen week period due to the festive period. This extended consultation will provide stakeholders and members of the public additional time to consider the evidence, reflect on the proposals, and provide informed views to help shape the future management of Scotland's seas. I recognise that these proposals are of significant interest to those who use and depend on Scotland’s seas. The Scottish Government remains committed to working closely with fishing communities, conservation organisations and local leaders throughout the consultation process to ensure that we achieve an appropriate balance between environmental protection and the social and economic wellbeing of our coastal and island communities.