Report to Scottish Environment Link Oct 2009

Recovering Scotland’s Marine Environment is an independent report by Dr David Hughes and Dr Thom Nickell from the Scottish Association for Marine Science. Focusing on features for which there is good evidence of decline, the report makes a strong case that Scotland’s marine environment is in a far from pristine state and is in real need of recovery.

Many habitats and species have been seriously depleted over a long period as a result of human activities, fragile habitats are particularly vulnerable to some mobile fishing gear, while the discharge of organic waste and water-borne chemical contaminants can also lead to the depletion of certain species.

Unsustainable fishing practices have led to the decline of some fish stocks. There is no doubt that a healthy marine environment is an ecologically and economically productive one. Therefore the case studies presented in the report, including the destruction of seabed habitats like oyster and maerl beds, that once supported entire ecosystems and provided nursery grounds for scallops and fish, have ultimately damaged the engine house of our marine economy including fisheries.

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Marine reserves are defined as ocean areas that are fully protected from activities that remove animals and plants or alter habitats, except as needed for scientific monitoring. Examples of prohibited activities are fishing, aquaculture, dredging, and mining; activities such as swimming, boating, and scuba diving are usually allowed.

Marine reserves receive permanent protection, rather than seasonal or short-term protection. Because marine reserves protect habitats and the diversity of animals and plants that live in those habitats, marine reserves are a form of ecosystem protection that produces different outcomes from other management tools. As with any form of management, a marine reserve is only effective if its protection is enforced.

Read full colour report.