A critical opportunity to inform improvements in Scotland's marine protected areas

Harry Huyton, CEO for the Scottish Seabird Centre, responds to the news of Scottish Government’s new consultation on fisheries management measures for existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Monday 14 September 2026.

“Today’s long-awaited announcement is an important step forward. Scotland is a global stronghold for seabirds, with our coasts and islands home to over five million breeding seabirds like puffins, guillemots and gannets. Yet most species are in long-term decline. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government and others so that this process delivers the urgent protections that seabirds and our seas so desperately need.”

Harry Huyton, CEO, Scottish Seabird Centre

Notes

Full details of the consultation on Fisheries management measures within Scottish inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) management areas can be found here: https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/fisheries-management-measures-for-inshore-mpas/

ENDS

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About the Scottish Seabird Centre

The Scottish Seabird Centre is an award-winning marine conservation and education charity based in the coastal town of North Berwick, overlooking the Bass Rock gannet colony. They’ve been connecting people with this incredible seabird colony and the amazing wildlife that Scotland’s sea’s support for over 25 years. Their mission is to save seabirds and restore Scotland’s seas through conservation projects, learning programmes and unforgettable wildlife experiences. The Charity has led a range of high-profile conservation and education projects including the SOS Puffin initiative in the Firth of Forth.