Scottish MPA Project

Management options

LOCH CRERAN POSSIBLE MPA

This is a working draft that has been produced to support initial discussions with stakeholders about management of activities in the possible MPA. The development of site management is an ongoing process which will continue after the conclusion of the formal consultation. We will make changes to reflect any relevant information that becomes available e.g. through stakeholder discussions.

This paper covers a range of different activities and developments but is not exhaustive. It focuses on where we consider there could be a risk in terms of achieving the conservation objectives. The paper does not attempt to cover all possible future activities or eventualities (e.g. as a result of accidents), and does not consider likely cumulative effects that could result from different types of activities being carried out within the possible MPA. This document should therefore be considered as the starting point for discussions about management relating to the possible MPA. The following documents provide further information about the features, evidence and assessment of the possible MPA and should be read alongside this Management Options Paper:

• Site summary • Data confidence assessment • Detailed assessment against the MPA Selection Guidelines

These documents are available on the Scottish Natural Heritage website.

Document version control

Version Date Author Reason / Comments Version 1 06/02/2013 Siobhan Mannion Insertion of relevant activities data

(subject to refinement). Version 2 07/05/2013 Jane Dodd Convert to new format, add detail

Version 3 15/05/2013 Jane Dodd Add maps, edit Version 4 05/06/2013 Jane Dodd Edit Version 5 11/06/2013 Jane Dodd Update following comments on

aquaculture from Suzanne Henderson and Liam Wright

Version 6 02/07/2013 Jane Dodd Edit following comments from Katie Gillham

Version 7 11/07/2013 Katie Gillham Edit to update changes to generic text agreed through QA and others made following discussion with Jane Dodd

Version 8 12/07/2013 Jane Dodd Edit following discussion with Katie Gillham

Version 9 18/07/2013 Morven Carruthers

Updated mapping

Version 10 24/07/2013 Katie Gillham Inserted habitat polygon map and edits to address internal QA comments

Distribution list

Format Version Issue date Issued to Electronic Version 8 12/07/2013 Gregor McKenzie cc Eamon Murphy Electronic Version 8 12/07/2013 Mark Steward Electronic Version 8 12/07/2013 David Mallon, Sebastian Howell and

Michael McLeod Electronic Version 10 25/07/2013 SNH web publication

[B1209260 / 15(#28)]

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THE DEVELOPMENT OF MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR THE LOCH CRERAN POSSIBLE MPA Introduction The Loch Creran possible Marine Protected Area (MPA) encompasses a small sea loch north of Oban, Argyll consisting of 2 basins separated by narrow, shallow sills. The site is a Special Area of Conservation for reefs (including bedrock reefs and biogenic reefs, the latter built by serpulid worms and horse mussels). It is very busy with finfish production and processing, shellfish farming, yacht moorings and regular transport of staff from a lochside car park to the Glensanda quarry. The SAC has a Management Strategy and is zoned for fishing, with mobile and static gear prohibited in the areas of serpulid reef growth. The Loch Creran possible MPA provides an opportunity to add value to the SAC by including a further rare and special Scottish marine habitat. Further details of the possible MPA can be found in the site summary. This document has been produced to provide background information on the development of management for the Loch Creran possible MPA. It will be used during discussions with stakeholders as part of the formal consultation. The aim of these discussions is to explore current activities and the potential interactions these may have with the proposed protected features. Future activities may also be considered.

The document describes the known location and extent of protected features and our current knowledge of where various activities take place. It also presents our preferred management option for each of those activities that are considered capable of having an effect on the protected features. The document provides those with an interest in the area a chance to input into the early stages of working out appropriate management of activities to ensure that the Loch Creran possible MPA makes a genuine and long-lasting contribution to the protection of Scotland’s marine environment.

Map 1 shows the location of the Loch Creran possible MPA.

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Map 1 Location of the Loch Creran possible MPA

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Roles

SNH’s role is to advise Scottish Government on options for developing management of the Loch Creran possible MPA. In doing this, our aim is to ensure the conservation objectives for the protected features are met. Marine Scotland will lead the discussions on management with stakeholders. They will consider SNH’s advice and will lead on the development of specific management measures. They will be responsible for making recommendations to Scottish Ministers on these measures. Scottish Ministers will decide whether to implement these measures. Stakeholders can provide additional evidence to support the development of management options including local knowledge of the environment and of activities. Discussions with stakeholders will be one way of highlighting the implications of any management options to both SNH and Scottish Government. This will contribute to the development of well-designed and effective management measures if the site is approved by Scottish Ministers.

Protected features and conservation objectives The Loch Creran possible MPA is being considered as part of a network of new Nature Conservation MPAs. These are being established to help conserve a range of Scotland’s important marine habitats, wildlife, geology and landforms. The location and extent of the proposed protected features within the Loch Creran possible MPA are shown on Map 2 overleaf. Conservation objectives set out the desired quality of the protected features within each Nature Conservation MPA. They will form part of the designation order for Nature Conservation MPAs and will therefore be in place at the time that a site is formally designated. A conserve objective is used where evidence exists that a protected feature of an MPA is in good condition or where limited evidence exists and therefore there is uncertainty concerning the condition of a feature. A recover objective will be used where evidence exists that a species or habitat of an MPA is declining and/or damaged, to the point where it is not considered to be in a good condition. We have recommended that the conservation objective for the flame shell beds within the Loch Creran possible MPA is ‘conserve’. The maps in the rest of this document have been produced using the point data shown in Map 2. We have also used these data to produce a predictive map of the habitats within the possible MPA (see Annex 1). The predictive map has been produced using a combination of different types of data (including on depth, seabed type and the locations of habitats and species). The map will be used to help inform discussions on management by highlighting the expected distribution and extent of habitats within the possible MPA so that this can be discussed alongside information on activities. Additional data will help us to improve the accuracy of this map in future.

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Map 2 The distribution of protected features within the Loch Creran possible MPA.

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Overview of activities

Table 1 below lists the activities that take place within or close to the Loch Creran possible MPA. Further discussions with those who use the area are required to improve our understanding of these activities (e.g. locations, extent and intensity). Those activities that the protected features are sensitive to are explored in detail in the next section. Activities which the protected features are not thought to be sensitive to will not be considered further within this document. New or other activities not identified within the table would need to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Table 1 Overview of existing activities believed to take place within or close to the Loch

Creran possible MPA Activities considered capable of affecting the protected features

Activities not considered to be capable of affecting the protected features *

Aquaculture - finfish farms • Creran A and Creran B

Anchorages

Aquaculture – shellfish farms • Currently disused mussel consent at

South Shian

Moorings

Fishing – demersal mobile/ active gear • trawl, dredging and hydraulic methods

RYA sailing areas • the West Scotland sailing area

Fishing - static gear creeling and potting

Commercial shipping • regular transport route of staff to

Glensanda quarry from Rubh Garbh • fish farm cage building at Marine

Resource Centre Barcaldine, transport through the loch

• transport of aggregate to the Marine Resource Centre at Barcaldine (from Glensanda) for onward transport by road

Fishing – diver collection of bivalves

*Only the specific examples of activities listed in the table have been excluded, rather than the broad activity types.

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Development of management options Management options are being developed where we consider that some form of management may be necessary to achieve the conservation objectives for each proposed protected feature. The approach to identifying management options for each activity will be risk-based i.e. we are focusing on providing advice where we believe there is a risk to achieving the conservation objectives. To do this, we are using existing data and information on protected features and relevant activities, and also our understanding of the relationships between the proposed features and activities. The management options may be informed by discussion with stakeholders. If new information becomes available during the consultation, the management options may be revised. Management options are focused on the activities that cause an effect (a pressure) that a feature is sensitive to. Pressures can be physical (e.g. abrasion of the seabed), chemical or biological. Different activities may cause the same pressure, e.g. fishing using bottom gears and aggregate dredging both cause abrasion which can damage the surface of the seabed. The protected features of a possible MPA are considered sensitive to activities that could adversely affect them (because of the associated pressures) especially if they are unable or are very slow to recover. The online sensitivity tool FEAST1 will be available on the Marine Scotland website. It reflects our current understanding of the interactions between activities, pressures and features and supports the first steps of the assessment of risk to the features in the possible MPAs. The tool highlights that activities can give rise to a range of pressures which the protected features of the possible MPA may be sensitive to. Please use the online tool on the Marine Scotland web site for more detailed information including the evidence we have used in developing our recommendations. We have identified risks to achieving the conservation objectives where there is an overlap between protected features and activities associated with pressures that the features are sensitive to. We have recommended management options to manage these risks. Specific details of the recommended management options for each activity are provided in the following sections. Overlap between different activities/potential developments and the proposed protected features is described and where appropriate mapped. The text focuses on interactions in terms of physical overlap but the assessment of risk in future should also take account of the intensity and frequency of activities within the possible MPA. SNH has identified a range of management options that may be applied, including:

- management to remove or avoid pressures - management to reduce or limit pressures - no additional management required

We recognise that stakeholders can provide local environmental knowledge and more detailed information on activities, including in relation to intensity, frequency, and methods. This additional information will help us to develop more specific management options, focused on interactions between features and activities.

1 Features, Activities, Sensitivities and pressures Tool

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Aquaculture - finfish farms In assessing likely impacts, our focus has been on the Allowable Zone of Effect (the SEPA modelled area of chemical and waste deposition) and the mooring grid, which together represent the main footprint associated with finfish farms. There are two operational fish farm consents in Loch Creran and these are used in rotation so only one site is functioning at a time. One of the consents was relocated towards the centre of the loch a number of years ago to avoid damage to serpulid reefs. Both sites are now located away from the features of the SAC (bedrock reef, serpulid reef, horse mussel bed) and are approximately 1.5 km away from the flame shell bed at Eriska Narrows and 4 km from the bed at Creagan Narrows (see Map 3). The operational leases have been in place for some time and the company currently operating them is aware of the Loch Creran SAC Management Strategy and are active members of the Argyll Marine SACs Management Forum. Flame shell beds have high sensitivity to the impacts associated with finfish farming but we consider that there is sufficient separation that no damage has occurred to the flame shell bed as a result of finfish aquaculture. However, there is a risk to achieving the conservation objectives for the flame shell beds from future development. Any plans for new fish farms or expansion of current farms would need careful consideration. Map 3 Overlap between area of seabed affected by finfish farm sites and proposed

protected features

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Recommended management option:

Remove or avoid pressures – associated with new finfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing fish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on flame shell beds. Location and management would need careful consideration to avoid damage to the flame shell beds. The distribution of flame shell beds are restricted therefore any management would be likely to be limited to where the flame shell beds occur as long as there is no cumulative effect on water quality as a result of new developments.

Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with finfish farming within the possible MPA to help us to understand more about the interactions between finfish farms and flame shell beds. We will also continue discussions with public authorities to ensure that any impacts on the flame shell beds are considered when they are assessing new proposals. Where management measures are required, the development of these would be undertaken via discussion with finfish farming interests and informed by any detailed information that can be made available. Marine Scotland will lead the development of specific management measures. The ongoing Audit and Review process (see Relationship with existing management below) is also relevant to the management of the possible MPA.

Relationship with existing management

For both finfish and shellfish farming a process of Audit and Review of existing Crown Estate leases / consents is currently being undertaken by Marine Scotland. This process aims to transfer existing Crown Estate consents to permanent planning permission by March 2014. The process also aims to ensure that any appropriate environmental considerations have been taken in to account before planning permission is granted. Currently any existing Crown Estate lease which has either not been developed, or not developed to its full extent but which may impact the features of the site if developed fully, should be considered carefully through the ongoing Audit and Review process. In such instances where undeveloped or part developed Crown Estate leases may, if developed fully, be capable of affecting (other than significantly) the protected features of the site, then an assessment should be carried out by the public authority to determine whether there would be a significant risk to achieving the conservation objectives.

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Aquaculture - shellfish farms In assessing likely impacts, our focus has been on the area below the equipment and the mooring grid, which together represent the main footprint associated with shellfish farms. There are two consents for mussels (coloured red in the map 4 below) in Loch Creran, one at South Shian and one split into two working areas at Druim na Claoidh opposite Barcaldine. There are four consents for oyster farms (coloured green in map 4). The mussel farm at South Shian overlaps with the flame shell bed at Eriska Narrows but is currently disused. Flame shell beds have medium sensitivity to the pressures associated with shellfish farming but we consider that there is sufficient separation that no damage has occurred to the flame shell beds as a result of shellfish aquaculture. However, there is a risk to achieving the conservation objectives for the flame shell beds from future development. Any plans for new shellfish farms or expansion of current farms would need careful consideration Map 4 Overlap between shellfish farm sites and proposed protected features

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Recommended management option:

Remove or avoid pressures – associated with new shellfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing shellfish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on flame shell beds. The distribution of flame shell beds is restricted therefore any management would be likely to be focused around where the flame shell beds occur.

Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with shellfish farming within the possible MPA to help us to understand more about the interactions between shellfish farms and flame shell beds. We will also continue discussions with public authorities to ensure that any impacts on flame shell beds are considered when they are assessing new proposals. Where management measures are required, the development of these would be undertaken via discussion with shellfish farming interests and informed by any detailed information that can be made available. Marine Scotland will lead the development of specific management measures. The ongoing Audit process (see Relationship with existing management below) is also relevant to the management of the possible MPA.

Relationship with existing management

For both finfish and shellfish farming a process of Audit and Review of existing Crown Estate leases / consents is currently being undertaken by Marine Scotland. This process aims to transfer existing Crown Estate consents to permanent planning permission by March 2014. The process also aims to ensure that any appropriate environmental considerations have been taken in to account before planning permission is granted. Currently any existing Crown Estate lease which has either not been developed, or not developed to its full extent but which may impact the features of the site if developed fully, should be considered carefully through the ongoing Audit and Review process. In such instances where undeveloped or part developed Crown Estate leases may, if developed fully, be capable of affecting (other than significantly) the protected features of the site, then an assessment should be carried out by the public authority to determine whether here would be a significant risk to achieving the conservation objectives.

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Anchorages Flame shell beds are sensitive to the physical impact of anchors and the scouring action of anchor chains both of which can disrupt the bed, damaging the other plants and animals that live there, and forcing flame shells to rebuild their nests. There are four anchorage areas within the Loch Creran possible MPA (see Map 5). None of these are in close proximity to the flame shell beds in Loch Creran. Map 5 Overlap between anchorages and proposed protected features

Recommended management option:

No additional management is required with respect to anchorages in Loch Creran since there is sufficient separation between existing anchorages and the flame shell beds identified at Eriska Narrows and Creagan Narrows.

Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with recreational boating within or adjacent to the possible MPA.

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Moorings Flame shell beds are sensitive to the physical impact of moorings and the scouring action of mooring chains, both of which can disrupt the bed damaging the other plants and animals that living there and forcing the flame shells to rebuild their nests. There are several moorings areas and individual moorings in Loch Creran. None of these overlap with the areas of flame shell beds however the moorings area at Creagan is very close to the records of flame shell beds (see Map 6). Map 6 Overlap between moorings and proposed protected features

Recommended management option:

No additional management is required with respect to moorings in Loch Creran since there is sufficient separation between existing anchorages and the flame shell beds identified at Eriska Narrows and Creagan Narrows.

Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with recreational boating within or adjacent to the possible MPA. Should expansion of the moorings area at Creagan ever be considered we recommend a diver survey to check the extent of the flame shell bed in this area in order to prevent damage.

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Introduction to fishing activities Information on the distribution and intensity of fishing activity within and adjacent to the Loch Creran possible MPA was not available at the time of writing. Therefore, in providing our advice on management options for fishing activities, we have focused on what we know about the sensitivities of the proposed protected features to different types of fishing activity and whether or not that fishing activity may affect the achievement of the site’s conservation objectives. Our advice below has been presented in the context of three broad management options, which are: remove/avoid pressures, reduce/limit pressures or no additional management. We have indicated the extent to which these options would allow the conservation objectives to be met and have added some site specific comments. We have identified management options and stated whether they are ‘recommended’ or should be ‘considered’ where: Recommended – highlights that an issue of fishery / feature interaction exists, there is a reasonable evidence base and a specific recommendation for action can be made / justified. Considered – highlights that an issue exists, but circumstances mean that a specific recommendation for action cannot / or need not be made at this point. However, there is sufficient cause to make fishery managers aware of the issue and for them to consider if a fishery management measure may be helpful in achieving conservation objectives – particularly where there may be a synergy between the benefits of management actions for the fishery and the conservation objectives for the feature. In order to assess the extent to which these features are actually affected by fishing activities in the site, discussions with those involved with fishing within or adjacent to the possible MPA will be important.

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Fishing – demersal mobile/ active gear Flame shell beds are highly sensitive to surface and sub-surface abrasion and disturbance, and consequently the use of benthic gears (e.g. hydraulic, scallop dredges and benthic trawls) is likely to compromise the conservation objectives for this feature. Map 7 shows the sensitivities of flame shell beds to pressures associated with demersal mobile/ active fishing (including trawls, dredges and hydraulic methods). Flame shell beds might be expected to attain their conservation objectives if the pressures associated with demersal mobile/active fishing gear are reduced or limited. However, this would not entirely eliminate the risk of deterioration. If the pressures associated with demersal mobile/active fishing gear are removed or avoided, the conservation objectives would be likely to be achieved. Map 7 Sensitivities of the proposed protected features to pressures associated with demersal mobile/ active gear fishing

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Recommended management option:

Remove or avoid pressures - the exclusion of mobile/active gears (i.e. trawls, dredges and hydraulic methods) from the flame shell beds of Loch Creran possible MPA is recommended. This recommendation is driven by the sensitivity of flame shell beds to surface and subsurface abrasion. Records of flame shell beds are restricted within the site to the Creagan Narrows and the Eriska Narrows and management would therefore be focused in these locations.

Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with fishing within or adjacent to the possible MPA to help us to understand more about the interactions between different gear types and flame shell beds. We propose working closely with the Argyll Marine SACs Management Forum and Marine Scotland to explore whether and how the existing Fisheries Order (see Relationship with existing management below) should be updated to provide protection to the flame shell beds within the possible MPA. This will include working with Marine Scotland Compliance. Scotmap will provide a valuable source of information on inshore fishing activity. The data are currently being validated by Marine Scotland Science and it is expected that in future Scotmap will be used to support decision-making on MPAs. Where management measures are required, the development of these would be undertaken via discussion with fishing interests and fishery managers and informed by any detailed information about fishing activity that can be made available. Marine Scotland will lead the development of specific management measures.

Relationship with existing management

The Argyll Marine SACs Management Forum coordinated by Argyll and Bute Council has developed a Management Strategy for the features of Loch Creran SAC. This includes zones for fishing covering both mobile and static gear. The zones in the Management Strategy have been implemented through the Inshore Fishing (Prohibited Methods of Fishing) (Loch Creran) Order 2007. The flame shell bed at Creagan Narrows is situated within the zones already protected by the existing Order. The other flame shell bed at Eriska Narrows is outside the boundary of the zones protected by the Order.

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Fishing - static gear The Loch Creran possible MPA is likely to be fished by pots / creels for crabs and lobsters. We are assuming that bottom-set netting and long-lines are not currently operated within the possible MPA. Map 8 shows the sensitivities of flame shell beds to surface damage or abrasion. However, the use of pots and creels at low levels is not expected to adversely impact the feature. We consider that the flame shell beds might be expected to achieve their conservation objectives with no additional management, however there is a risk of deterioration in the condition of the protected feature if fishing activity occurs at high levels. Whilst measures to manage static gear within the site may not be essential to achieve the conservation objectives of the site, if such measures were introduced for stock management purposes they would also be likely to contribute to achieving the conservation objectives. Map 8 Sensitivities of the proposed protected features to pressures associated with

static gear fishing

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Recommended management option:

Reduce or limit pressures – measures to reduce or limit physical disturbance of flame shell beds should be considered. Any impacts are likely to be related to the intensity of use of static gears. There is no published information on the interaction with static gear but there may be a risk to the integrity of flame shell beds e.g. as a result of surface abrasion and / or removal of nest material through entanglement.

Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with fishing within or adjacent to the possible MPA to help us to understand more about the interactions between different gear types and flame shell beds. We propose working closely with the Argyll Marine SACs Management Forum and Marine Scotland to explore whether and how the existing Fisheries Order (see Relationship with existing management under Fishing – demersal mobile/ active gear) should be updated to provide protection to the flame shell beds within the possible MPA. This will include working with Marine Scotland Compliance. Scotmap will provide a valuable source of information on inshore fishing activity. The data are currently being validated by Marine Scotland Science and it is expected that in future Scotmap will be used to support decision-making on MPAs. Where management measures are required, the development of these would be undertaken via discussion with fishing interests and fishery managers and informed by any detailed information about fishing activity that can be made available. Marine Scotland will lead the development of specific management measures.

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Fishing – diver collection of bivalves This section covers fishing for bivalve molluscs by divers, including collection by hand and the use of diver-operated hydraulic gears (e.g. air lifts). Flame shell beds are highly sensitive to surface and sub-surface abrasion and disturbance, and consequently the use of diver-operated hydraulic methods is likely to compromise the conservation objectives. Diver fisheries that take the catch by hand will be largely compatible with the protected feature on the assumption that the target stock is exploited within sustainable limits although there may be some removal of non-target species and surface abrasion. Recommended management option:

Remove or avoid pressures • the exclusion of diver operated hydraulic methods from

the areas within the site where the feature flame shell beds occur is recommended.

• The exclusion of targeted collection of horse mussels from the areas within the site where the feature flame shell beds occur is recommended.

The flame shell beds in Loch Creran are limited in distribution, therefore there is scope to deliver the conservation objectives for this feature by focusing management only where flame shell beds are present.

Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with fishing within or adjacent to the possible MPA to help us to understand more about the location and extent of the activity and it effect on flame shell beds. We propose working closely with the Argyll Marine SACs Management Forum and Marine Scotland to explore whether and how the existing Fisheries Order (see Relationship with existing management under Fishing – demersal mobile/ active gear) should be updated to provide protection to the flame shell beds within the possible MPA. This will include working with Marine Scotland Compliance. Scotmap will provide a valuable source of information on inshore fishing activity. The data are currently being validated by Marine Scotland Science and it is expected that in future Scotmap will be used to support decision-making on MPAs. Where management measures are required, the development of these would be undertaken via discussion with fishing interests and fishery managers and informed by any detailed information about fishing activity that can be made available. Marine Scotland will lead the development of specific management measures.

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Summary of management options

Before any firm recommendations are made, discussions should be held with stakeholders to ensure that there is a good understanding of the features and the likely interactions with activities. Marine Scotland will lead the discussions on management with stakeholders. These discussions will start during the formal consultation and, if necessary, may continue after the consultation. The discussions should lead to an improved understanding of the risk

Aquaculture - finfish farms

Remove or avoid pressures – associated with new finfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing fish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on flame shell beds. Location and management would need careful consideration to avoid damage to the flame shell beds.

Aquaculture – shellfish farms

Remove or avoid pressures – associated with new shellfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing shellfish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on flame shell beds.

Anchorages No additional management is required with respect to anchorages in Loch Creran since there is sufficient separation between existing anchorages and the flame shell beds identified at Eriska Narrows and Creagan Narrows.

Moorings No additional management is required with respect to moorings in Loch Creran since there is sufficient separation between existing anchorages and the flame shell beds identified at Eriska Narrows and Creagan Narrows.

Fishing – demersal mobile/ active gear

Remove or avoid pressures - the exclusion of mobile/active gears (i.e. trawls, dredges and hydraulic methods) from the flame shell beds of Loch Creran possible MPA is recommended.

Fishing - static gear

Reduce or limit pressures – measures to reduce or limit physical disturbance of flame shell beds should be considered. Any impacts are likely to be related to the intensity of use of static gears. There is no published information on the interaction with static gear but there may be a risk to the integrity of flame shell beds e.g. as a result of surface abrasion and / or removal of nest material through entanglement.

Fishing – diver collection of bivalves

Remove or avoid pressures • the exclusion of diver operated hydraulic methods from

the areas within the site where the feature flame shell beds occur is recommended.

• The exclusion of targeted collection of horse mussels from the areas within the site where the feature flame shell beds occur is recommended.

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to the proposed protected features. The options presented here will then be reviewed by SNH and a preferred way forward may be recommended. This will form the basis of advice from SNH to Marine Scotland on management requirements for this possible MPA should it be designated as a Nature Conservation MPA. Marine Scotland will be responsible for making recommendations to Scottish Ministers on any management measures that may be required. The development of these measures will be progressed through discussion with stakeholders after the formal consultation on the possible MPA. Should any management measures require statutory underpinning, Marine Scotland will undertake further consultation.

Further information The following documents are available for background information:

• Marine Scotland’s MPA consultation document • SNH and JNCC MPA network advice (November 2012) • The draft MPA Management Handbook • Draft fisheries guidance notes

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Annex 1 Habitat map showing predicted extent of the proposed protected features within the possible MPA

Habitat polygons shown with a dotted infill (as opposed to solid colour) are those for which we have lower confidence in the predicted extent. This is likely to be either because a) the location covered by the polygon has been relatively sparsely sampled or b) the habitat polygon is based on an extrapolation from a neighbouring area with very similar habitat features.