Plans to implement flagship marine conservation areas have been scrapped following a consultation.
The Scottish Government had wanted to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) which would prevent all fishing and dredging in 10% of Scotland’s coastal waters.
Earlier this year, the Government said proposals would not progress in their previous form but remained committed to further protecting marine life.
Following a consultation, net zero secretary Mairi McAllan announced that the revised plans would not progress.
On Tuesday, McAllan said: “In response to the findings of the consultation, and as I set out in Parliament earlier this year, the proposal to implement Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) across 10% of Scotland’s seas by 2026 will not be progressed.
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