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| Scottish government scraps marine conservation plan | Scottish government scraps marine conservation plan |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Fishing industry leaders have previously called for the proposals to be reconsidered | |
| The Scottish government has scrapped its plans to create Highly Protected Marine Areas in 10% of Scotland's seas. | The Scottish government has scrapped its plans to create Highly Protected Marine Areas in 10% of Scotland's seas. |
| The proposals would have restricted fishing and other human activities in some coastal areas, in a bid to protect the environment. | The proposals would have restricted fishing and other human activities in some coastal areas, in a bid to protect the environment. |
| But members of the fishing industry and some island communities raised concerns about the plans. | But members of the fishing industry and some island communities raised concerns about the plans. |
| Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan said the government was firmly committed to enhancing marine protection. | Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan said the government was firmly committed to enhancing marine protection. |
| But she said the current plans would not be progressed. | But she said the current plans would not be progressed. |
| Instead, the Scottish government will consult further with the industry, communities and conservation organisations about a new pathway and timetable. | |
| However, groups that wish to pursue community-led marine protection in their local area on a quicker timescale, such as those initiatives in Lamlash Bay on Arran, will be supported to pursue their plans. | |
| Island families oppose marine protection areas around Tiree | |
| Why are Highly Protected Marine Areas so controversial? | |
| Fishing could be finished for me and my young son | |
| Members of the Scottish fishing industry, coastal communities and even some MSPs had raised fierce objections to the marine conservation proposals. | |
| Former finance secretary Kate Forbes warned people, not wildlife, could become the "endangered species" in Highland and island areas. | |
| Ms McAllan said: "We chose to consult as early and widely as possible on the principles of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), with no pre-determined sites. | |
| "It has always been, and continues to be, this government's plan to work cooperatively with communities to identify how and where to enhance marine protection in a way that minimises impact and maximises opportunity. | |
| "Therefore, while we remain firmly committed to the outcome of enhanced marine protection, the proposal as consulted on will not be progressed." | |
| Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan announced the change of plan in Holyrood | |
| As part of the Bute House Agreement - which brought the Scottish Greens into government in a historic power-sharing deal with the SNP - ministers had planned to designate at least 10% of Scotland's seas as HPMAs by 2026. | |
| It meant that all forms of fishing including recreational catch and release angling would be prohibited in selected sites. | |
| Seaweed harvesting would also be banned, no new marine renewable energy schemes would be allowed and the laying of subsea cables would be restricted. | |
| Managed levels of swimming, snorkelling and windsurfing would be allowed. | |
| 'Rigid and damaging' | |
| Scottish Liberal Democrat rural affairs spokeswoman Beatrice Wishart said: "This is testament to the power and voice of rural and remote communities who were united in their opposition. | |
| "They were incensed by the way the SNP and Greens were determined to impose rigid and damaging policies and failed to listen from the outset. | |
| "It was clear from the start that this was pursued to appease the Bute House agreement and little do with the sustainability of either the seas or the communities who live and work in them." | |
| Related Topics | |
| Scottish government | |
| Fishing | |
| SNP (Scottish National Party) | |
| Fishing industry |