Open Seas

For over 10 years, many of Scotland's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been just lines on a map, #paperparks without actual protection. The Scottish Government's latest proposals for offshore, deep-sea MPAs may finally address this, but we need to see a similar commitment to protecting our coastal seas. A thorough analysis of this complex issue by Ross Hunter at The National, Scotland: https://lnkd.in/eJMWrhg8

It's good to see The Scottish Government finally proposing options for protecting deep-sea habitats in our offshore seas, but the job is only half-done. After ten years of delay, we stand alongside many campaigners calling on Scottish Ministers to bring forward inshore protection from damaging methods of fishing. Currently, less than 5% of the inshore zone is protected from damaging fishing activity like scallop dredging. News story via STV Group plc Read our blog on the subject here: https://lnkd.in/en8H-dCS #decadeofdelay #MPAs #Scottishinshore Philip Rhodri Taylor

It is becoming increasingly clear that the impact of unsustainable industrial fishing practices is not just an environmental issue but also a human rights issue. Props to the BBC for putting a spotlight on this. Human trafficking and human rights abuses are happening right on our doorstep and have been for years and years. We can't continue to pretend it's not. My favourite line: "This is how your UK law is done... You favour the wealthy people, and you don’t care about the poor." https://lnkd.in/eCspjMd8 More on human rights in the UK Scampi supply chain: https://lnkd.in/eTXhsCUf Open Seas

We're hiring! We are looking for an engaging, dedicated and effective Public Affairs Manager - Westminster, on a full-time basis to make a real difference in protecting marine life while ensuring the livelihoods of coastal communities. To apply, visit the link below! https://lnkd.in/gHscpmA6

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) foster sustainable fishing practices and allow Scottish marine life to thrive. Berwickshire Marine Reserve (Rangers) its 40th anniversary, a milestone made possible by the dedication of thousands of volunteers who protect the rich biodiversity along the five-mile stretch of coastline between Eyemouth and St Abbs Head. By continuing to safeguard our seas along the Scottish coastline, we can ensure that MPAs contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future for both marine ecosystems and local communities. https://lnkd.in/eWZRXXK9 #decadeofdelay #MPAs #MarineProtectedArea #ScottishSeas

We stand alongside many organisations and businesses dedicated to sustainability in our seas - and call for The Scottish Government to put the ‘P’ into Scotland’s Marine P̵r̵o̵t̵e̵c̵t̵e̵d̵ Areas. You can read more about the letter below: https://lnkd.in/egHN7SNM #decadeofdelay #MPAs #Scottishseas #PushfortheP

Political delay is harming our seas 60% of Marine Protected Areas created in 2014 still have no protection from damaging fishing methods, read more below: https://lnkd.in/eiYiCEz9 We support Scottish Environment LINK calls for urgent action. Sign their petition now: https://lnkd.in/eZWM4kEB

Scotland's Marine P̵r̵o̵t̵e̵c̵t̵e̵d̵ Areas: We are calling on The Scottish Government to keep their promise and finally protect our seabed on behalf of the people of Scotland! #mpadelays #decadeofdelays #scottishseas 

Scotland’s Marine P̵r̵o̵t̵e̵c̵t̵e̵d̵ Areas 60% of Marine Protected Areas (19 of 32) designated in 2014 still have no protections from scallop dredging and bottom-trawling, fishing methods that scrape the seabed. We want to protect our seabeds to create sustainable futures for all, including those who rely on healthy fish populations. Learn more about MPAs and how to help take action at: https://lnkd.in/eZWM4kEB #MPA #Scottishseas #MarineP̵r̵o̵t̵e̵c̵t̵e̵d̵Areas #ScottishEnivronment #sustainablefishing #marineconservation

BREAKING … Investigation finds public funds awarded by Scottish Ministers were used for illegal fishing. This is a crucial test of the Scottish Government’s commitment to world-leading fisheries management. The Scottish Government risks breaching new #WTO rules to end harmful fishing subsidies, which was signed in December. Read more at the link below: https://lnkd.in/ge8UFZm7