Scottish Greens deliver new Marine Protected Areas
New Marine Protections announced by the Scottish Government are the result of Scottish Green budget negotiations.
The designation of four new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and a further 12 sites given Special Protection Area status, announced today, is the result of Scottish Greens pressure on the Scottish Government to deliver 2018/19 budget commitments.
Commenting, Mark Ruskell said: “This is a major step towards protecting our marine environment, and we are delighted to see this commitment to the Scottish Greens delivered.”
“Many unique species, including dolphins and whales, will now enjoy some vital protections, but this must be just the start if we are to tackle the nature emergency and prevent the loss of Scotland’s marine wildlife. The Scottish Greens want to see this network of protected areas built on and enhanced.
"Now these lines are on the map, we need to see real action agreed in the months ahead to protect these species, including the exclusion of industrial fishing practices.”
The commitment to bring forward the designation of the four MPAs was made in the 2018/19 budget deal between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government.