Picture: Alan HendryThe Scottish Government has confirmed it is dropping plans to expand the contentious Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas. "As a priority this includes completing management measures for our existing Marine Protected Area (MPA) network and protecting our Priority Marine Features. She said “The SNP-Green government’s proposals would have been a hammer blow to Scotland’s fishing industry and the plans have been squarely rejected by the communities affected. “From now on, the SNP-Green government must start working with rural communities to design plans that work for them. As well as HPMAs not being introduced in 10% of Scottish seas by 2026,the draft HPMA Policy Framework and draft Site Selection Guidelines, as consulted on, will not be finalised and published.

Source: The Times November 08, 2023 04:35 UTC