Introduce fisheries closures to protect Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in offshore waters between 400-800m depth.
Objective 3: Embed nature positive Farming, Fishing and Forestry
Priority Action 16. Implement fisheries measures in vulnerable marine ecosystems and to protect Priority Marine Features outside MPAs
There are currently no publicly reported Scottish Government or Marine Scotland announcements confirming the designation or implementation of fisheries closures for Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) in offshore waters between 400–800m depth.
While Marine Scotland and international scientific bodies provide strong evidence of VMEs in deep-sea habitats and the sensitivity of these ecosystems to bottom-contacting fishing activity, no specific closure measures for this depth range have been formally introduced or reported as implemented.
Scientific evidence from Marine Scotland and international deep-sea ecology research shows that Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in deeper offshore waters (such as cold-water coral and sponge habitats) are highly sensitive to bottom-contacting fishing gear. Protection measures such as depth-based closures are widely recognised as effective for preventing physical damage and allowing long-term habitat recovery.
However, ecological benefit depends entirely on formal designation and enforcement of closures, not policy intention or evidence gathering. As no closures have been publicly confirmed or implemented for the 400–800m depth band, there is currently no demonstrable ecological improvement.
The potential ecological contribution is therefore high, but realised impact remains unproven.
Scottish Government – Marine Protected Areas and deep-sea habitat protection
Marine Scotland
OSPAR Commission – Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in the North-East Atlantic
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
