Warning of 'catastrophic damage' to coastal communities over Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA)
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A FISHERIES' consultant is flagging "catastrophic damage" to coastal communities should new Highly Protected Marine Areas (HMPA) be imposed by the Scottish Government.
Simon R Macdonald made his comments as the HMPA consultation drew to a close following what he called a "complicated and confusing" process.
The measures aimed at allowing the protection and recovery of marine ecosystems have been slammed in some communities worried that some livelihoods will be wiped out.
Scottish Government, under the Bute House Agreement, created a consultation response form for those wishing to put across their views on the proposals.
Mr Macdonald said: "Sadly most have found the consultation response form overly complicated and confusing to complete. I, for one have never come across such a totally impossible form to complete and can fully understand the feelings of others confronted with this daunting paper."
He said he had attended two online meetings regarding HPMAs.
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He said: "My background in fisheries goes back over forty years. During that time I have seen many changes, seen difficulties arise and be overcome. I have also sadly witnessed a major decline in our fleet, in particular over the past few years with the effects of the pandemic and market collapses, introduction of MPAs and PMFs and on top of this; Brexit.
"These issues have been followed on by the more recent rapid developments in offshore renewables which has added considerably to the over all spatial squeeze which has meant many businesses having to cease fishing and trading. The proposed HPMAs being introduced by the Scottish Greens and Scottish Government under the Bute House Agreement will add a further 10 per cent of our waters, to being areas where there will be no commercial fishing, aquaculture or recreational or charter fishing permitted.
"This will cause catastrophic damage to coastal communities, many of which are already struggling, in economically fragile areas. The impact of the proposed HPMAs extends far beyond those who actually use the water, and will affect small rural businesses such as shops, engineering companies, processors, hauliers and harbour authorities, to name but a few.
"Add to this the enormous loss of revenue to Crown Estate Scotland from mooring fees and seabed leases to fish farms forced to leave, there will also be huge job losses which in turn will put an even greater burden on the finances of Scotland as a whole, in terms of welfare benefits and lost tax revenue.
"The loss of recreational fishing and mooring and anchoring facilities will also have serious implications on the revenue of tourism which again is a vital source of revenue to the coastal communities as well as Scotland in general.
"I ask that these points are taken into consideration towards making an informed decision on the future of the proposed HPMAs."
The Scottish Government says "the world faces twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. This requires us to work with nature to secure a healthier planet.
"The Scottish Marine Assessment 2020 showed that a number of marine species are in decline. If we do not address this loss, there is a risk that the marine environment will not be able to continue to provide the food and the other benefits we gain from it.
"One of the main aims of HPMAs is to protect a balanced representation of Scotland’s ecology from the coast to the deep sea, including both inshore and offshore environments.
"HPMAs will provide the best possible chance of protecting and restoring marine ecosystems so they can continue to support marine industries and the communities that depend upon them."
