HWDT Statement on Scottish HPMAs
THIS CONSULTATION HAS NOW CLOSED. HWDT HAS RESPONDED TO THE CONSULTATION. YOU CAN READ OUR FULL RESPONSE HERE.
HWDT supports the Scottish Government proposals for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs). However, we recognise that these measures must be carefully designed and include communities at the heart of the decision-making process to achieve the desired conservation objectives and avoid impacting fragile coastal communities, which rely on the marine environment to sustain the local economy.
Our marine environment needs protection, we must improve the resilience of our seas in the face of the global biodiversity crisis and climate emergency. There is strong evidence to support that when areas are highly protected, there is a positive impact on ecosystem recovery with benefits for the environment, local economy, and quality and quantity of fish stocks. Lamlash Bay, on the Isle of Arran, was designated a no-take zone in 2008, prohibiting the removal of marine life by any method – similar levels of protection to the current Scottish Government proposal for HPMAs. Studies of this area demonstrate the positive impact that highly protected marine areas can have on biodiversity when implemented as part of wider protective measures and with the support of local communities.
Community buy-in is essential if conservation objectives are to be successful. The marine environment is an essential resource for coastal communities, underpinning the local economy and an intrinsic part of the rich heritage found in the Hebrides. Input from all stakeholders is essential in the development of HPMAs. HWDT recognise the serious concerns and fear that local communities have raised in response to the current proposals. The draft policy framework needs to be considered holistically across all aspects (environmental, social and economic), with more involvement with stakeholders and local communities before site proposals are developed. Communities need to be at the centre of ecosystem-based decision making.
HPMAs must be considered alongside wider spatial management and conservation measures. There needs to be more clarity on how these different pieces of legislation work together to deliver conservation objectives and support the sustainable use of the marine environment (such as well-managed low impact activities like creel and hand dive fishing, and shellfish and seaweed aquaculture). If done properly, HPMAs could become ocean recovery zones, providing crucial sanctuaries for marine life, helping support a sustainable future for activities including some forms of fishing and tourism, benefiting nature and people for generations to come.
We hope we can all agree that we want to see healthy seas supporting abundant wildlife and thriving coastal communities. Developed with stakeholder involvement and the subsequent backing of communities, highly protected areas of our seas and oceans could have significant benefits.
Our full consultation response will be published once submitted. We would encourage all stakeholders to add their voice to the consultation to help shape what HPMAs in Scottish seas should look like, and how they could be implemented to maximise community and environmental benefits.