SNP drop controversial HPMAs after coastal communities and backbench MSPs uproar
· 04.07.2023 · 13:45:02 ··· Dienstag ···
The Scottish Sun The Scottish Government last week dropped its controversial plans to restrict fishing in 10% of Scotland’s waters following an uproar from coastal communities.
Net-Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan announced the plan to introduce highly protected marine areas (HPMAs) by 2026 will no longer go ahead.
Instead, she said a new way forward will be developed with a view to making Scotland “nature-positive” by 2030.
Groups representing fishing industries were strongly opposed to the HPMA proposals and some SNP MSPs joined in the criticism.
Ms McAllan stressed the need to prevent damage to marine ecosystems.
She told MSPs: “I have listened intently and am in no doubt of the strong views both for and against.
“But if there has been one consistent point of consensus, it is that doing nothing is not an option.
“In fact, we know from a recent Government-funded survey that 85% of Scottish respondents consider protecting the marine environment as important to them.
“I can confirm today that the proposal as consulted on will not be progressed.
“This means we will no longer seek to implement HPMAs across 10% of Scotland’s seas by 2026.”
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