Fisheries Guidance Notes to support the Priority Marine Features Review
Following damage to a flame shell bed in Loch Carron in 2017, Marine Scotland asked NatureScot to provide advice on where additional management of sensitive marine habitats should be considered to meet the requirements for safeguarding PMFs set out in the National Marine Plan.
The NatureScot advice to Marine Scotland is based on 11 PMFs considered to be most vulnerable to bottom-contacting towed fishing gear. A fisheries guidance note has been produced for each of these 11 PMF features providing an overview of their interactions with fishing. These guidance notes have informed the development of NatureScot advice to Marine Scotland.
Maerl beds and Maerl or coarse shell gravel with burrowing sea cucumbers
Northern sea fan and sponge communities
Disclaimer: Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has changed its name to NatureScot as of the 24th August 2020.
At the time of publishing, this document may still refer to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and include the original branding. It may also contain broken links to the old domain.
If you have any issues accessing this document please contact us via our feedback form.