Scottish fishing industry leaders have called for an urgent stop to the government’s plans to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) around the coast, warning the proposals would devastate fragile coastal communities and local economies.
The scheme, backed by the SNP-Green coalition, aimed to designate 10% of Scotland’s seas as HPMAs by 2026, prohibiting all forms of fishing, including recreational angling, and restricting activities such as seaweed harvesting and subsea cable laying.
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) and other industry voices described the plans as politically motivated, lacking robust analysis or consideration of the displacement of marine activities.
Concerns were raised about the catastrophic impact on livelihoods and the possibility of significant job losses, particularly in islands and rural communities where fishing remains a lifeblood.
Local authorities and MSPs across the Highlands and Islands echoed these fears. Alasdair Allan, SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, stated that opposition to HPMAs has been universal among his constituents, and Kate Forbes MSP warned the scheme could drive further depopulation of Scotland’s coastal communities.
Meanwhile, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland Council, and the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation criticised the lack of detail, especially regarding ecological impact.
Opposition parties urged the government to reconsider its approach and consider pilot schemes to properly analyse the effects of HPMAs before wide implementation.
Following widespread backlash, the government confirmed it would not progress with current HPMA plans but remained committed to enhancing marine protection through cooperation with stakeholders.
Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the SFF, said: “This isn’t a plan – it’s a stampede. The Government is charging ahead without the faintest idea how to protect the people and places that will be trampled in the rush.
“We’ve been telling them for years these plans will seriously damage our industry, but they haven’t listened. Now their own assessments show the harm that will be done to fishing, and the environment on which it depends.
“Until they can prove our industry and our seas will be safeguarded, the only responsible choice is to slam on the brakes.”
While conservation groups warned the proposals did not go far enough to address climate change and biodiversity loss, the shelving of HPMA plans was seen by some as a victory for rural voices.
The future of marine protection in Scotland will now hinge on further consultation and finding a balance between ecological needs and the sustainability of coastal economies.
