The Scottish Government is considering extending marine protected areas in Scotland's marine environment in order to protect rare, representative and productive species and habitats on the basis of sound science. The Marine (Scotland) Act and Marine and Coastal Access Act delivered new powers to protect other habitats and species of national and international importance through the designation of Marine Protected Areas. The aim is to achieve a well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas by 2016. The public can help by providing views on the case for designation of the possible Nature Conservation MPAs included in the consultation. They are also seeking views on other aspects of the proposals including management options to protect the features.
