In light of the publication of its Proposed Fisheries Management Measures for Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority M…

The Scottish Government, as part of the consultation Marine Consultation on ‘Proposed Fisheries Management Measures in Scottish Inshore Marine Protected… has undertaken a Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA).The SEA assesses the environmental implications of the proposed measures. One of the SEA objectives is in relation to ‘Soil’ where the objective is to maintain, protect and enhance the character and integrity of the seabed.The SEA considered four pathways:potential benefits to habitats and species within protected sites;potential spill-over benefits beyond site boundaries;potential adverse effects resulting from the displacement of fishing activity and the likely intensification of activity elsewhere; andpotential adverse effects from increased fishing effort by other gear types not restricted by the measures.The SEA concluded that, for the majority of sites and areas assessed, the proposed measures were expected to result in a moderate or major beneficial effect on the habitats and species, including seabed features.The proposed measures have been developed to further the conservation objectives of MPAs and support the protection of Priority Marine Features by managing fishing activity that may impact sensitive seabed habitats and species.The Environmental Standards Scotland's (ESS) report published on 23 June 2026, Protecting Scotland's seafloor: an assessment of Scottish Ministers' implementation of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010, contains ESS’ findings and recommendations relating to the Scottish Ministers’ implementation of those Regulations.The Scottish Government is carefully considering the ESS report and will work constructively with ESS to seek to agree an appropriate action plan within the timescale suggested in the report. The Scottish Government's position on the report's findings and recommendations will be set out through that engagement and in its formal response.