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Protection for a sunken ship linked to the American Civil War Protection for a sunken ship linked to the American Civil War
(1 day later)
The wreck of a Clyde-built paddle steamer bought by Confederate agents during the American Civil War has been designated as a Marine Protection Area (MPA), the Environment Secretary said.The wreck of a Clyde-built paddle steamer bought by Confederate agents during the American Civil War has been designated as a Marine Protection Area (MPA), the Environment Secretary said.
The wreck of Iona I has been described as being in good condition - but "deteriorating".The wreck of Iona I has been described as being in good condition - but "deteriorating".
The steamer sank in the Clyde in 1862.The steamer sank in the Clyde in 1862.
The site is one of two new MPAs in Scotland to be announced - the other is at Fair Isle, off Shetland.The site is one of two new MPAs in Scotland to be announced - the other is at Fair Isle, off Shetland.
The Scottish government has designated the site of the Iona I shipwreck as a Historic Marine Protected Area (HMPA) to preserve it as a historic asset of national importance.The Scottish government has designated the site of the Iona I shipwreck as a Historic Marine Protected Area (HMPA) to preserve it as a historic asset of national importance.
The Iona I operated on a Glasgow to the Highlands passenger route before it was purchased for use in delivering supplies to blockaded American ports.The Iona I operated on a Glasgow to the Highlands passenger route before it was purchased for use in delivering supplies to blockaded American ports.
But it sank in the Clyde near Gourock following a collision with another ship in 1862, so never reached the war.But it sank in the Clyde near Gourock following a collision with another ship in 1862, so never reached the war.
It is hoped that preserving Iona I, one of only a few surviving paddle steamer wrecks, will increase the understanding of Scotland's role in the American Civil War.It is hoped that preserving Iona I, one of only a few surviving paddle steamer wrecks, will increase the understanding of Scotland's role in the American Civil War.
The Scottish government hopes that creating an MPA at Fair Isle, involving a community-led approach to sustaining the marine environment, will increase recreation, tourism, research and education.The Scottish government hopes that creating an MPA at Fair Isle, involving a community-led approach to sustaining the marine environment, will increase recreation, tourism, research and education.
The Fair Isle MPA will also help local communities to protect seabirds observed in the area - including the Atlantic puffin, a threatened species.The Fair Isle MPA will also help local communities to protect seabirds observed in the area - including the Atlantic puffin, a threatened species.
On its website, The National Trust for Scotland said Fair Isle is "internationally renowned" for its its seabird colony - which they said is the second largest in the UK. On its website, The National Trust for Scotland said Fair Isle is "internationally renowned" for its seabird colony - which they said is the second largest in the UK.
Future generationsFuture generations
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "It is our duty to protect these rich areas and historical sites while ensuring they benefit local communities.Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "It is our duty to protect these rich areas and historical sites while ensuring they benefit local communities.
"These MPAs will help protect and enhance our marine environment so it remains a prized asset for future generations.""These MPAs will help protect and enhance our marine environment so it remains a prized asset for future generations."
The announcement was made at the Marine Conservation Society annual conference in Edinburgh.The announcement was made at the Marine Conservation Society annual conference in Edinburgh.
The wider MPA network of all protected areas covers approximately 20% of our seas.The wider MPA network of all protected areas covers approximately 20% of our seas.
There are currently 30 nature conservation MPAs and 7 Historic MPAs in Scottish waters.There are currently 30 nature conservation MPAs and 7 Historic MPAs in Scottish waters.