SNP leadership candidate pledges to scrap Highly Protected Marine Area proposals
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes has pledged to scrap controversial proposals for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA).
The statement comes in the wake of a warning from the Scottish Fishermens Federation that banning fishing in a tenth of Scottish waters under a network of new HPMAs will have a catastrophic impact on the industry
She has said that she will scrap controversial government plans to ban all forms of commercial and recreational fishing in significant stretches of Scotland’s waters and instead commission a feasibility study into devolving marine protection and inshore fisheries powers to local authorities if she is elected First Minister.
The SNP leadership candidate said that regulations shaped by coastal communities would better reflect local needs and values, while also protecting the marine ecosystem for future generations.
She added that competent government should look at the cumulative impact of any proposed legislation rather than working in a silo, and that the current HPMA proposals were “an example of how not to do government”.
Kate Forbes said: “I would commission a feasibility study into giving councils more power to ensure marine protection designations are effectively implemented and enforced, and ideally consult on which of Marine Scotland’s statutory responsibilities could be more effectively delivered by local authorities.
“We have a range of expertise in coastal communities, and I believe they are better placed to manage marine protection designations and inshore fisheries in a way that balances conservation objectives with socio-economic considerations.
“Local communities are often the ones most affected by changes in marine ecosystems, and they can provide valuable knowledge and insight into the health of local fish stocks and other marine resources, and a more tailored approach could also improve monitoring and enforcement.
“So I’d like to see a study consider if this way of working could improve outcomes, both for local communities and for the growth of the blue economy more widely.”
The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch added: “As I understand it, no other EU country has implemented HPMAs and there is no evidence to demonstrate that they actually achieve their aims. "The current plans will have a disproportionate socio-economic impact on our island and coastal communities, and could impact work being done in other parts of government to reverse population decline.
"There is concern from all corners of the fishing and processing sector, with potential implications reaching beyond fishing into small-scale and community-led renewables, harbour infrastructure, and marine tourism to name a few.
“I cannot understand why anyone, particularly when we are deliberately trying to stem depopulation in rural areas, thought it would be a good idea to take such a blanket approach. Our food and drink sector is a success story.
"Our overseas exports reached record high levels in 2022, but these proposals would decimate the seafood industry.
“Across government, we have to look at cumulative impact, rather than work in a silo.
"This current consultation illustrates the perils of poor engagement with communities and the rural economy.
"It’s an example of how not to do government.
"And it is also an example of what I want to do differently.
“Under my leadership, I will re-set these relationships and work with coastal and island communities and their associated industries in an amicable and constructive fashion.”
Responding to the comments Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid whose constituency takes in fishing ports at Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Macduff said: “Kate Forbes has been radio silent on HPMAs since the proposals were first put forward by the SNP-Green Government last year.
“Only now that she is in a leadership race has she suddenly decided to put her head above the parapet and speak out against her party’s devastating plans for Scotland’s fishing fleet.
“We have seen throughout this leadership race that every single one of these candidates are changing their views to suit the narrative.
“I have regularly met with industry leaders throughout this process to stand up for what is right for our fishing industry in the north-east.
“In contrast, this central belt government including Kate Forbes have done nothing to ease the concerns of the sector and the disastrous consequences HPMAs would have on their fleet.”
His view were echoed by Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron who said:“Communities across the Highlands and Islands have expressed very genuine concern about these plans, and they must be heard.
“This is a damaging proposal which will undoubtedly cost jobs, livelihoods, and opportunities.
“The impact on local economies would be severe, and the whole thing needs to be scrapped.
“Instead of pitting these important communities against each other, the Scottish Government should be working with them.
“It is the case that more must be done to hit environmental and diversity targets, but it has to be done responsibly and with the expert input of our coastal communities.
“This is just yet another SNP-Green policy dreamed up in the Central Belt without a thought for how it would harm those elsewhere in Scotland.”
