MPA Selection Process
JNCC and SNH applied a science-based approach to select Nature
Conservation MPAs, underpinned by the presence of MPA search
features. These largely comprise the Priority
Marine Features (PMFs) for which MPAs are considered the most
appropriate conservation mechanism.
The
Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines, which were jointly produced
between Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), JNCC and Marine Scotland
with input from key stakeholders, set out a 5-stage
process for selecting Nature Conservation MPAs in
Scotland’s seas.
Our application of the selection process is
provided in the Detailed Assessment Against the Guidelines document
for each Nature Conservation MPA.
Although JNCC and SNH used a science-based
approach to select Nature Conservation MPAs, there have been key
opportunities for stakeholder engagement throughout the process.
Marine Scotland led five
national stakeholder workshops with a range of stakeholders to
discuss and improve the data we hold on
marine features,
marine activities and to discuss the selection of
initial and
additional MPA search locations and the application of the
Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines to develop
MPA proposals. In addition to this, regular update meetings
are, and will continue to be, held with key interest groups.
Network Advice
In November 2012, SNH and JNCC submitted
formal advice on the selection of Nature Conservation MPAs for the
development of the Scottish MPA network* to Scottish Ministers and
Marine Scotland. Scottish Ministers used our advice to
report to Parliament on progress in developing the MPA network
in December 2012, and to decide which of the Nature Conservation
MPA proposals were included in the public consultation.
*Since the publication of the Scottish MPA
network advice, some of the advice relating to the possible Nature
Conservation MPAs has changed. A summary of these changes as an
addendum to Table A5.1 is available
here.
JNCC and SNH’s advice identified 33 possible
Nature Conservation MPAs across the Scottish marine environment, as
well as four areas that remained as MPA search locations in
territorial waters. Our advice recommended that at least 29 of the
33 possible MPAs were designated, along with MPAs derived from the
remaining search locations, to meet obligations under the UK and
Scottish Marine Acts and contribute to an ecologically coherent
network of MPAs.
Marine Scotland undertook a 16 week
consultation from July to November 2013 to seek views on the
proposed network of MPAs as part of the wider Planning
Scotland's Seas consultation. 33 possible Nature Conservation
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Scotland’s seas were consulted on
which included options and alternatives for the representation of
certain features and a further four MPA search locations
remain to be fully assessed.
JNCC produced a report on our advice on selected responses
to the 2013 Marine Scotland consultation on Nature Conservation
MPAs. Our advice focused only on matters raised during the
consultation that were of a scientific nature, and did not respond
to legislative and policy interpretation issues, or
policy questions relating to management measures. SNH also
prepared a report in response to questions regarding science issues
raised concerning pMPAs in Scotland’s territorial waters, which is
available on the
SNH website
A summary of the consultation responses is
available on Marine
Scotland’s website
