{"id":14021,"date":"2026-09-14T12:08:05","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T11:08:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/marine-scotland\/?p=14021"},"modified":"2026-09-14T12:09:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T11:09:18","slug":"consultation-on-proposed-fisheries-management-measures-in-scottish-inshore-marine-protected-areas-mpas-and-proposed-priority-marine-features-pmf-management-areas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/marine-scotland\/2026\/09\/14\/consultation-on-proposed-fisheries-management-measures-in-scottish-inshore-marine-protected-areas-mpas-and-proposed-priority-marine-features-pmf-management-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"Consultation on \u2018Proposed Fisheries Management Measures in Scottish Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Features (PMF) Management Areas\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Scottish Government is pleased to announce that the consultation on proposed fisheries management measures for inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) management areas in Scottish waters was launched on <\/span>Monday 14 September 2026.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Link to Citizen Space consultation platform:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Proposed Fisheries Management Measures in Scottish Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas.<\/a><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This consultation seeks views on proposed fisheries management measures that will be put in place for inshore MPAs that still require these and the 11 PMFs most sensitive to bottom-contacting mobile fishing gears, which are habitats and species of national conservation importance.\u202f\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The development of these proposals has been informed by years of stakeholder engagement, scientific evidence gathering and discussion with representatives from the fishing industry, environmental organisations, coastal communities, local authorities, and other interested parties.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Given the scale and complexity of the proposals, covering more than 160 sites and areas across Scotland\u2019s inshore waters, the consultation has been extended beyond the standard 12-week duration and will run until <\/span>18 January 2027<\/span><\/b>, going beyond the intended sixteen week period due to the festive period.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This extended consultation will provide the people of Scotland additional time to consider the evidence, reflect on the proposals, and provide informed views to help shape the future management of Scotland’s seas.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Responding to the Consultation\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

A helpful explainer video on how to navigate the consultation using the Geospatial Tool has been created as guide: <\/span>MPA and PMF Consultation Explainer Video<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The consultation can be responded to in English or in Gaelic. Gaelic versions of the Consultation paper and Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) are available on the consultation homepage.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As part of a response, if you need to submit further data, evidence or additional information, this can be sent to <\/span>Marine_Biodiversity@gov.scot<\/span><\/a> mailbox where it will be added to the respondents consultation response. If you can provide your unique consultation response ID when doing so ensures it can be added to your response.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you require any help or assistance in responding to the consultation, please email the mailbox:<\/span> Marine_Biodiversity@gov.scot<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Consultation Drop-In and Online Sessions<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

We are running a series of online and in-person sessions to support people to respond to this consultation. These sessions will tell you more about this consultation, and offer support with responding to it. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions. You will still need to respond to the consultation for your voice to be heard.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We would encourage all feedback on the proposals to be responded to within the consultation.\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Consultation Drop-In Sessions<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

The in-person sessions are being held with a \u2018drop-in\u2019 format. This means you can come at any time during the session and stay for as long as you wish. These sessions are being held in 26 different locations across Scotland.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At these sessions you will be able to ask questions about the assessments and other consultation documents. We will also be able to help you understand how to respond to the consultation. These sessions will be focused on protected areas near to the location the session is held in, but if you have an interest in sites and areas elsewhere you are welcome to ask about them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You do not need to sign up to these sessions in advance. All persons are welcome to attend.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most sessions will be operating between <\/span>2-5pm and 7-9pm.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Please note, that some locations and times may be subject to change and are weather dependent, due to associated travel.\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To see any changes to these sessions, check back in on this Marine Blog or email the mailbox: <\/span>Marine_biodiversity@gov.scot<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Consultation Drop- In Sessions\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n2-5pm and 7-9pm\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Western Isles<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nStornoway<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nThe Bridge Centre\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n29\/09\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tarbert (Harris)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTarbert Community Centre<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n30\/09\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Benbecula<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBenbecula Campus<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n01\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oban-Barra<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOban<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCorran Halls<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n06\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Barra<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCastlebay Community Hall\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n08\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wick and Orkney<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nKirkwall<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSt Magnus Centre<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n13\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wick<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nEast Caithness Community Facility\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n14\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Highland<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMallaig<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMallaig Community Centre\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n20\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Portree<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPortree Community Centre\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n21\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Inverness<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nInverness Town Hall<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n28\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ullapool<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nVillage Hall<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n29\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lochinver<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLochinver Village Hall<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n30\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
North East<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPeterhead<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPalace Hotel<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n10\/11\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fraserburgh<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nFaserburgh District Parish Church<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n11\/11\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Buckie<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nFishermen’s Hall<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n12\/11\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
North West<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTobermory<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAros Hall<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n24\/11\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tiree<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAn Talla Community Hall\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n26\/11\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shetland<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLerwick<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTBC<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n02\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TBC<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTBC<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n03\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
South West<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nKirkcudbright<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nKirkcudbright Community Centre<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n07\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Troon<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRiverside Lodge<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n08\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Campbeltown<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nKintyre Community Centre<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n09\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tarbert (Loch Fyne)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTemplar Arts Hall<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n10\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
South East<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAnstruther<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPittenweem Town Hall<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n14\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Eyemouth<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nThe Hippodrome\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n16\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Edinburgh\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLeith Parish Church<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n18\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Online Sessions<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Online Consultation Sessions<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Session<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nType<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nDate<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTime\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRegistration link\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n22\/09\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n12-1pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 1<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n24\/09\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 2\u202f<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n28\/09\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 3\u202f<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n05\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 4<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n15\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n10-11am<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 5<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nWestern Isles\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n22\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 6 (Western Isles)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBarra<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n26\/10\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 7 (Barra)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n06\/11\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n10-11am<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 8<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHighland\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n09\/11\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 9 (Highland)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nShetland\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n17\/11\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 10 (Shetland)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n25\/11\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 11<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
12<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNorth East<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n30\/11\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 12 (North East)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
13<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n07\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n12-1pm\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 13<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
14<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n15\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 14<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
15<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n21\/12\/2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 15<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
16<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n11\/01\/2027<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnline Session 16<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
17<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYoung People\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTBC<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTBC<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTBC<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the online sessions we will deliver a brief presentation explaining how the consultation works, information on the proposals and documents and how you can give your responses. At the end of the session, we will be available to take questions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These sessions will be held in Microsoft Teams. You do not need an account to join these sessions. You can join these sessions from the browser on a computer or a phone. If joining from a phone it is recommended you download the Microsoft Teams app for free. You will not need to have your camera on in these sessions, although Marine Directorate representatives will.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some online sessions are focused on a specific region, to support people with an interest in proposed fisheries management options or priority marine features in that area. This means the content of the session will be tailored to that region. There will be limited time to discuss other regions or wider matters in these sessions.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A young person specific session is also allocated to encourage engagement. The date and time for this will be available shortly.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The online sessions are limited to a <\/span>maximum of 20 people<\/span><\/b>. This means you will need to sign up in advance and is on a first-come basis.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can sign up using the links above.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Please check your registration confirmation in your spam\/ junk mailbox and accept any calendar reminder prompts.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Scottish Government takes data protection seriously and personal information collected as part of the online session registration will only be used for this purpose. All information will be handled, stored and destroyed securely following the session. For engagement analysis a generalised list of how many people attended each session and from which stakeholder category (public or organisation) may be gathered to inform future engagement management.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Participation and Involvement Protocol\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

At consultation drop-in and online sessions, the Scottish Government will operate these sessions under a \u2018Participation and Involvement Protocol\u2019. This sets out the principles of engagement, code of conduct and how disputes and disagreements will be resolved.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We understand that many will feel passionately about this consultation and the impacts it may have on individuals. We believe that all correspondents and complaints have the right to be heard, understood and respected. We also believe that our Scottish Government and NatureScot staff have the same rights.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, if there are unacceptable behaviour or actions of individuals that make it impossible for us to continue any constructive engagement this will be managed accordingly. Violence towards or abuse towards our staff will never be tolerated. Please see the <\/span>Scottish Government unacceptable actions policy<\/span><\/a> for further advice.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Principles of Engagement<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Consultation drop-in and online sessions are open to a range of attendees including the public, industry, environmental organisations, science, public bodies, local authorities, and government. The principles of engagement set out below apply to all attendees.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The success of these sessions are based on trust and mutual respect between its participants.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Code of Conduct\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n