RYA Scotland has been closely involved in the development of the Scottish network of Marine Protected Areas, which includes existing
designated sites. We recognise that for many members seeing wildlife is an important part of the sailing experience and have supported the MPA process.
RYA Scotland has worked closely with NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage) to ensure
that vulnerable habitats such as maerl and seagrass beds were not at risk from
anchoring by recreational boats and conversely that anchoring would not be
banned. We have worked with the editor of the Clyde Cruising Club Sailing
Directions and Anchorages to ensure that recreational sailors are not
inadvertently encouraged to anchor in inappropriate places. As a consequence of
this work the only place where there is a ban on anchoring is Loch Creran where
anchoring is banned except in the four designated anchorages to protect the
rare and vulnerable serpulid reefs. See attached document for further details of this site.
RYA Scotland is continuing to engage with NatureScot (formerly Scottish
Natural Heritage) over management measures related to the wider Marine
Protected Area network. RYA Scotland is a participant in the MarPAMM project
which is developing tools for monitoring and managing a number of protected
coastal marine environments in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Scotland.
Scotland also has Historic MPAs, which mainly protect important wrecks.
Dr G Russell
RYA Scotland Planning and Environment Officer
consultations@ryascotland.org.uk
Last updated 1 May 2020
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