Argyll and Bute Council has joined the area’s MP in opposing plans for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs).
Yesterday the SNP’s Brendan O’Hara was outspoken in attacking the Scottish Government plan, saying it would have ‘a devastating impact’ on coastal communities.
He was followed by council leader Robin Currie, who said HPMAs ‘would have detrimental effects’ on the local economy.
“Many people and businesses across Argyll and Bute are gravely concerned and oppose the proposals,” said the Liberal Democrat.
“We echo these concerns and have highlighted the potential economic and social devastation in our response to the Scottish Government.
“Our fragile coastal, remote and island communities depend on marine tourism, aquaculture and fishing.
“HPMAs in the proposed form threaten a devastating reduction of jobs and ultimately people across the western half of Scotland.
“In some cases, businesses and their activities would close down completely.
“This is a loss that Argyll and Bute and the wider west coast of Scotland simply cannot agree with, afford or sustain.”
The Scottish Government wants to designate at least 10% of Scotland’s seas as HPMAs, with sites designated in 2026.
They would expand on the current network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Commercial fishing – including hand-diving- would be banned, as would recreational fishing and collection of any flora or fauna.
Recreational use of boats would not be restricted unless NatureScot makes specific advice on this, and it is ‘unlikely’ that recreational swimming would be restricted.
Wholeheartedly agree with the objections. Firstly, why does it have to be a few large areas impacting on peoples livelihoods, why can’t the 10% be made up of a larger number of smaller, wilder areas where livelihoods are not badly affected. This whole idea is again badly thought through, typical of most of the Scottish government proposals. Can they not see that it will just force fishing boats to move to other unregulated areas impacting adversely on them. It will achieve very little. There are better options, put your thinking caps on.
Not sure what the problem is here. No HMPAs have yet been proposed so it’s impossible to say how big or small they might be or who might be affected. On the other hand, the legislation does give the government a totally free hand to designate anything anywhere and could be open to abuse. Arguably existing MPA legislation should be sufficient.