Question reference: S4W-23708
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 16 December 2014
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Current status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 9 January 2015
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of common skate being considered critically endangered, whether it will set objectives for the Loch Sunart to Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area to ensure that stocks are not only conserved and maintained but are actively restored.
Answer
It is recognised that common skate are critically endangered at a global scale. There is a relative abundance of common skate in the Loch Sunart to Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area (MPA). The conservation objectives for common skate in Loch Sunart to Sound of Jura MPA of conserving the species were set by Scottish Natural Heritage in discussion with Marine Scotland Science, based upon what is known about the prevalence of the species in that area. The management of MPAs is informed by the conservation objectives for each site and the best available evidence on the impacts of anthropogenic activities. The current consultation on MPA management for 20 MPAs and Special Areas of Conservation includes options on the management of the Loch Sunart to Sound of Jura MPA to achieve the conservation objectives. We are currently inviting responses on the options, and we will take into account formal views received via the consultation when developing the final management measures for these sites, including Loch Sunart to Sound of Jura MPA.