2015 has been quite a year for Scotland’s seas. Back in January there was significant concern that new marine protected areas would become paper parks, with little management to actually reverse the declining health of our marine environment. With the #DontTakeTheP (out of MPAs) campaign, throughout the year we have edged closer to meaningful management that could see our amazing, rich and fragile seabed habitats better protected so that our seas return to better health. This issue is by no means over and 2016 will be an equally important year. A lot of other stuff has happened too… a ruling about data release for fish farms, new marine regions, the adoption of the National Marine Plan, a moratorium on Underground Coal Gasification and some fantastic marine wildlife sightings that are a reminder of just how important our seas are.
Below are some tweets for a wee whistlestop overview of 2015.
Today we are giving evidence to @SP_RuralClimate on the #NationalMarinePlan. Watch live @ 10am http://t.co/SwfpNUiymO pic.twitter.com/6vQecV7rSn
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) January 7, 2015
New #ScotGov report considers economic potential of limiting dredging + trawling in inshore waters http://t.co/EglHqZKwf5 <@BBCScotlandNews
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) January 8, 2015
Comment: Scotland can lead world in marine planning – The Scotsman http://t.co/PoJGbu8WgI
— Craig McLaren (@RTPIScotland) January 13, 2015
Don’t take the P out of #MPAs – support the conservation of Scotland’s sea beds http://t.co/Jt8ILUmzES @SaveScotsSeas pic.twitter.com/JnrrUDISRE
— National Trust Scot (@N_T_S) January 8, 2015
Video appeal for Scotland’s seas: why new MPA proposals don’t go far enough. Tell #ScotGov #DontTakeTheP out of MPAs http://t.co/SPLKX29lXq
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) January 19, 2015
Credit to #MarineScotland for huge effort to set up #MPAs but still concerns about management https://t.co/DmFMrvp7wB #coastalfutures
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) January 22, 2015
Stunning + alarming underwater footage: community film highlights #MPAs worry + #DontTakeTheP https://t.co/ugFW6W9rdI http://t.co/XlJ5gWHNGH
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) January 25, 2015
Scots coastal towns would be hardest hit by poor marine protection, say @ScotLINK charities http://t.co/89y0AMFDfO pic.twitter.com/e4Yq1QDgBw
— Lang Banks, WWF (@LangBanks) January 30, 2015
TAKE ACTION: Stand up for Scotland’s seas & coastal communities. Email the Government today -> http://t.co/J5Sy3G8vQn pic.twitter.com/fS69jgN3S5
— Lang Banks, WWF (@LangBanks) January 30, 2015
Scottish government under pressure to close gaping loophole in #fracking ban: undersea coal gas http://t.co/Pnmikopmrk via @newsundayherald
— Rob Edwards (@robedwards53) February 1, 2015
Only 24hrs to take action for Scotland’s seas. Tell #ScotGov pls #DontTakeTheP out of #MPAs http://t.co/XlJ5gWHNGH pic.twitter.com/qgwujIgMkl
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) February 1, 2015
#fortheloveof… sharks, let’s act on climate change. #showthelove at the #stateofnature conference pic.twitter.com/KDGebQUdPx
— Stop Climate Chaos (@sccscot) February 4, 2015
Today @Scotlink members hosting a #workshop to explore opportunies for #MarinePlanning to enhance our seas. #MarineHealth for tweets!
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) February 12, 2015
Code of Practice launched in #Scotland to protect bottlenose #dolphins near #Aberdeen’s Harbour mouth http://t.co/S5cfwnzpQQ
— WDC (@WHALES_org) February 13, 2015
Stall getting busy already @mcsuk @ScotLINK @SaveScotsSeas. Look forward to busy day raising awareness of sea life pic.twitter.com/Mpo4qmBoEt
— Calum Duncan (@CalumDuncanMCS) February 16, 2015
We agree 100% with @HighlandCouncil. More ambitious management in #MPAs = healthy ecosystems = healthy local economies #DontTakeTheP
— Living Seas Scotland (@ScottishSeas) February 16, 2015
Container ship aground Ardnamurchan, west coast of Scotland http://t.co/0CeUCzg5vD pic.twitter.com/xedX4oTKMU
— WatkinsMarine (@WatkinsMarine) February 18, 2015
Arran marine reserve provides massive boost to scallop population – @TheScotsman – http://t.co/AIDbCkU3cr
— Alistair Munro (@AlistairMunro1) February 24, 2015
#ScottishGovernment urged to try and restore damaged ecosystems in #WesterRoss http://t.co/PIfzrneLGc pic.twitter.com/biHjZTtuEd
— The Press & Journal (@pressjournal) February 24, 2015
.@scotgov award £14.3m to Wave Energy Scotland to “kick start” new marine energy body http://t.co/h1jylWMqhi pic.twitter.com/qVHqtafHh2
— BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) February 25, 2015
And the BBC Countryfile Magazine Nature Reserve of the Year is… Bass Rock! Congrats @SeabirdCentre! pic.twitter.com/i1RVAh8NST
— Countryfile Magazine (@CountryfileMag) March 3, 2015
Our latest #beachclean data shows 50% rise in wet wipes on UK beaches! Beach litter up over 6% on last year. http://t.co/85smAXAcSq
— MCSUK (@mcsuk) March 19, 2015
NEWS: 800 tonnes of rubbish being removed from Scotland’s seas over the last 10 years > http://t.co/B9326jkxJE
— WWF Scotland (@WWFScotland) March 25, 2015
Well done @KIMOUKandFFL – 10 years excellent work! @mcsuk @KSBScotland tackling litter ashore #goodpartnerships @WWFScotland @SaveScotsSeas
— Calum Duncan (@CalumDuncanMCS) March 25, 2015
New @WildDolphin2014 ‘visitor’ unveiled as WDC Scottish @Dolphinsighting Centre opens: http://t.co/7C9tb9BrmS pic.twitter.com/cOI9qHfqk2
— WDC (@WHALES_org) March 26, 2015
Tiny #Orkney island given ‘seal of approval’ http://t.co/rrY9aGCf3N pic.twitter.com/oTnRq2oFCS
— RSPB Scotland (@RSPBScotland) March 30, 2015
Just out! Our next paper: more ecosystem benefits from #Arran #MarineReserve https://t.co/3WuBSvkuqd @Seasaver @mcsuk pic.twitter.com/KDF7z8moko
— Bryce Stewart (@BD_Stew) March 30, 2015
@SharkTrustUK @mcsuk @CalumDuncanMCS – more than 10 sharks around today (and past few days) – #hebrides still no1! pic.twitter.com/DpnYsrgje1
— BaskingSharkScotland (@BaskingSharkSco) April 5, 2015
Are Scotland’s politicians now waking up to the #CoastalVote?http://t.co/0HSqSL6ufT pic.twitter.com/JCzRmB2ynZ
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) April 16, 2015
Better late than never? MV “Minna”, Marine Scotland’s sole inshore fisheries compliance ship, in Lamlash Bay today. pic.twitter.com/XPhKcpijCN
— Arran Coast (@ArranCoast) April 16, 2015
Diver Howard Wood of @ArranCoast wins Goldman Prize for work to protect the marine environment http://t.co/AJj5v3zrjY pic.twitter.com/uvaQwjggV3
— David Miller (@BBCDavidMiller) April 20, 2015
Scotland’s new marine regions… http://t.co/pdr8gwzqwc #MarinePlanning #MarineHealth Scotland’s #CoastalVote
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) April 21, 2015
Decision-making about Scotland’s #DeepSea is a democratic blind-spot. Read our new blog here: http://t.co/T59zSCLaoS
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) April 22, 2015
Congrats @Knowseas @AquaFellow_KE @ruth_brennan @TavisPotts et al @SamsLmc special issue marine social-eco systems http://t.co/jVPTlHvLJm
— Laurence Mee Centre (@SamsLmc) April 22, 2015
Marine Scotland have published the catch statistics for 2014. As expected, not a great read, with most salmon… http://t.co/WmXj0N37sI
— WSFTrust (@WSFTrust) April 29, 2015
A pod of Orcas were in Yell Sound yesterday: this great pic of one of the males was photographed by Vivian Clark. pic.twitter.com/mYj93NWPQZ
— Shetland Wildlife (@ShetlandWild) April 29, 2015
What does #ge2015 mean for the environment? @HolyroodLiam runs through manifestos – https://t.co/JinzGLDLdE
— Holyrood magazine (@HolyroodDaily) May 4, 2015
Shocked at the marine/beach litter at Arrochar more must be done about “plastic soup”! @mcsuk @CleanUpScotland pic.twitter.com/AXGv5EyY1e
— Alison Gibb (@AliTimeAngel) May 5, 2015
We submitted joint (@nimtf @ScotLINK @WalesLinkMarine @WCL_News) response to crucial #MSFD consultation #MarineHealth http://t.co/3Rt25fk4JL
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) May 7, 2015
Toxic salmon farm drug that kills crabs, shrimps and lobsters to be voluntarily withdrawn from market http://t.co/eqQGkpkYEL #fishfarming
— Rob Edwards (@robedwards53) May 10, 2015
Dutch gov says providing noise limits/budget policy in North Sea piling allow developers to plan better. Listen up UK gov! #oceanoise2015
— Sarah Dolman (@dolmansarahj) May 15, 2015
Official hashtag is actually #WorldOceansDay but there’s a well-made case for highlighting our connected ocean! see: https://t.co/bf9d4BpRZV
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) June 8, 2015
.@RichardLochhead unveils stronger measures for protecting seabed after thousands show support http://t.co/BjU72qEEn6 pic.twitter.com/2sfi4Bg15h
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) June 11, 2015
Inspiring artwork from the pupils of @SunnysidePri in special campaign for protected seabed and healthy seas #MPA pic.twitter.com/JYyHB6IkEY
— Living Seas Scotland (@ScottishSeas) June 12, 2015
Far from ideal. 16,000 farmed salmon escape from @MHScotland Carradale #fishfarm #aquaculture https://t.co/IDe1lTiky3
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) June 16, 2015
A fine read. https://t.co/9Wx9K24sIb
— Applecrosslife (@Applecrosslife) June 18, 2015
Dredgers question #MPA measures, but creel fishermen want even “bolder” management to safeguard business+ environment http://t.co/aP4lhCtHMU
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) June 21, 2015
Kayaker rescues a trapped dolphin on the Isle of Barra, Scotland – lovely video @WHALES_org @SaveScotsSeas https://t.co/X4oNAcrpRY
— Sarah Dolman (@dolmansarahj) July 1, 2015
Targeted marine action works. Read our perspective on the management of Scotland’s #MPAs http://t.co/W3SrIHqiKy pic.twitter.com/2ImaLSUJHB
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) July 1, 2015
Not good… Whales and wildlife ‘under threat’ if Highland lab closes http://t.co/OPA3ZzkQK5 By @robedwards53 pic.twitter.com/MIuhnqM6KG
— Lang Banks, WWF (@LangBanks) July 6, 2015
Info Commissioner rules Scottish fish farms that shoot seals can be named http://t.co/kmESIsfmhJ. Report by @robedwards53 @ScotNational
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) July 8, 2015
“Lightweight is good” A pithy letter to the @Herald_Editor today about #MPAs + management of Scotand’s inshore waters http://t.co/riqkuHkutj
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) July 8, 2015
The backstory to #DontTakeTheP campaign + why progressives in Scotland see long-term sense in protecting our #seabed http://t.co/cTtXvW8rq5
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) July 13, 2015
In tomorrow’s @TheScotsman – kayaker Nick Ray (@LifeAfloat ) on his 2,015 mile paddle around Scotland for @RNLI pic.twitter.com/jTWz0skQVh
— Roger Cox (@outdoorscots) July 17, 2015
.@DougieVipond investigates Scotland’s #PrawnWars in tonight’s #Landward Special – BBC Two Scotland at 9.00pm. https://t.co/ssM5i0f3Vr
— BBC Scotland (@BBCScotland) July 20, 2015
Last day to join half a million others and #DefendNature -> https://t.co/Px0QddpJWM Environmental laws are at risk. https://t.co/Ze67DDZ2UJ
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) July 26, 2015
Last day to join half a million others and #DefendNature -> https://t.co/Px0QddpJWM Environmental laws are at risk. https://t.co/Ze67DDZ2UJ
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) July 26, 2015
Kill licence a landmark conservation action for one of Scotland’s truly iconic species #salmon http://t.co/Q4Biv6Yfi7 pic.twitter.com/kbtpI3wvAo
— Living Seas Scotland (@ScottishSeas) July 23, 2015
#WDC talking to @RichardLochhead about how important Marine Protected Areas are for #Scotland‘s #wildlife. #MPA pic.twitter.com/fTxscj1Gte
— Dolphin Centre WDC (@Dolphinsighting) July 31, 2015
National survey of coastal and marine recreation and tourism http://t.co/MZWOhHkXeP #MarineScotland pic.twitter.com/cgdZF5YI0U
— VisitScotland News (@VisitScotNews) July 31, 2015
Scottish #MPAs have wider support. @RichardLochhead‘s proposals are in long-term public interest #DontTakeTheP http://t.co/cTtXvW8rq5 2/2
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) August 6, 2015
Leadership on #MPAs from @RichardLochhead on #bbcgms “future generations will not thank us for giving in to short-term pressures in 2015”
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) August 6, 2015
Rural Affairs Secretary @RichardLochhead tells @BBCGaryR “someone has to speak up for the environment” in debate over marine protected areas
— David Miller (@BBCDavidMiller) August 6, 2015
Hear from a scallop diver why MPAs ease pressure on ecosystems and allowing them to thrive once again http://t.co/Chg5NIzcOB
— Scottish Wildlife (@ScotWildlife) August 7, 2015
My paper evaluating the effectiveness of the seasonal area closure in the Firth of Clyde @IBAHCM @IBIS_EU http://t.co/kUMpqbWcfa
— Jo Clarke (@JoClarke_) August 13, 2015
.@scotgov introduces new protection for #WesterRoss MPA to enable marine recovery #SupportMPAs http://t.co/6JZF1RA6Xm pic.twitter.com/m5jZTTMyCs
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) August 17, 2015
Marine habitats at Wester Ross MPA damaged by dredging. Well done to @RichardLochhead for decisive action: @ScotLINK http://t.co/bhy5QZh8cc
— Stewart Maxwell MSP (@Maxwellsnp) August 25, 2015
Study on the scientific basis for regulating deep-sea fishing by depth published http://t.co/uc335cni0o #marinescot
— Scot Gov Greener (@GreenerScotland) September 3, 2015
Fishermen face prosecution for illegal scallop dredging in nature area off Scottish west coast http://t.co/f4qiIHuksb via @newsundayherald
— Rob Edwards (@robedwards53) September 6, 2015
Why marine life needs protection from noise pollution http://t.co/I0tkRJcATS pic.twitter.com/AHAZPEgswF
— Nature News&Comment (@NatureNews) September 16, 2015
Yo @MPAtlas, check out progress on management in Scottish MPAs here http://t.co/K2YNwNLDhm #SupportMPAs pic.twitter.com/J0WpsZAnNx
— Philip Rhodri Taylor (@PhilRhodTaylor) September 16, 2015
New evidence to @SP_RuralClimate from @CreelScff + Scottish Scallop Divers Assoc on #MPAs ->pgs 47-55 http://t.co/0vm1xxfxUK #SupportMPAs
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) September 22, 2015
Scotland’s seas need MPAs now, not delays #DontTakeTheP #CommunitiesForMPAs @SP_RuralClimate @NicolaSturgeon @scotgov pic.twitter.com/k4aWJZuUOk
— Summer Queen (@UllapoolQueen) September 22, 2015
Interesting discussion at @SP_RuralClimate Some fishermen critical of consultation process. Our view on process here http://t.co/cTtXvW8rq5
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) September 23, 2015
RT if you agree with our letter in @TheScotsman Support change for our seas. #SupportMPAs http://t.co/fl12MkidQf pic.twitter.com/lAPwHYlIw8
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) September 25, 2015
Scotland’s gannets may be at more risk from offshore windfarms than thought, say scientists. http://t.co/RbOCgVbSV1 pic.twitter.com/UMlJkUeE7N
— David Miller (@BBCDavidMiller) September 28, 2015
Our previous blog on the development of marine planning in Scotland via the #NationalMarinePlan http://t.co/FY8nkBT14u #mastscot
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) October 1, 2015
Marine “enhancement as an opportunity, not conservation as a constraint”> ecosystem approach to #marineplanning will b a challenge #mastscot
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) October 1, 2015
EU MS shall implement #Article17 to reward those who provide #environmental #social and #economic benefits pic.twitter.com/1Z4cVLRyyc
— Low Impact Fishers (@LIFEplatformEU) October 3, 2015
Our @ScottishSeas team have been out revealing underwater secrets again. See what they found: http://t.co/WhG3bQ0Dh7 pic.twitter.com/Wxfu0Xpkkd
— Scottish Wildlife (@ScotWildlife) October 8, 2015
.@RichardLochhead : my ambition is to build a more sustainable, profitable and well managed inshore fisheries sector #inshorefishconf
— Scot Gov Greener (@GreenerScotland) October 9, 2015
Nice to hear @RichardLochhead today: “Scotland’s seas not owned by any 1 individual or 1 vested interest”#DontTakeTheP #CommunitiesForMPAs
— Arran Coast (@ArranCoast) October 9, 2015
VUlnerable species in the EU Deep Sea need protection #MyDeepSeaMSG http://t.co/G8iO8AFUES pic.twitter.com/mFk1JwghI0
— Irene Kingma (@ikingmaNL) October 14, 2015
MPAs are part of a #sustainable #rural Scotland. New blog on why seabed recovery is in public interest https://t.co/Vc4TKeAYU2 #DontTakeTheP
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) October 20, 2015
.@SIFT_clyde have published a proposal aimed at boosting the health of the Clyde https://t.co/YkpQcODMKw #MarineHealth
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) October 22, 2015
Highland Councillors throw out plans for a fish farm in Loch Pooltiel, Isle of Skye, amid environmental concerns https://t.co/aMcddsEqa9
— Andrew Thomson (@andyinverness) October 28, 2015
Latest from the #Shiants where plans to safeguard 10% of the UK #puffin population are now underway https://t.co/XZORRbQqPc @RSPBScotland
— Stuart Housden (@StuartHousden) October 29, 2015
Floating windfarm off Scotland’s East Coast given consent https://t.co/mUVzcvZiek #renewables
— Nature + (@JonnyEcology) November 2, 2015
Sad to hear today that MPA pioneer Dr Bill Ballantine has passed away – world of marine research and protection will miss a stalwart
— MCSUK (@mcsuk) November 2, 2015
We’re nominees at @RSPBScotland #NatureofScotland Awards on Thurs https://t.co/dXkoUWgvJY 10yr campaign for our seas pic.twitter.com/iq3zw7bQYD
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) November 16, 2015
The most important consequences of the Paris climate talks will be for the oceans. @slate https://t.co/WFBzMpHuLt pic.twitter.com/XK2RGtJh7g
— Sylvia A. Earle (@SylviaEarle) November 28, 2015
Check out my blog on why Scotland is an exciting place to be for both marine conservation & community empowerment! https://t.co/cNXLzaEMUU
— Kerri Whiteside (@KerriWhiteside) November 26, 2015
Significant increase in fishing quotas for Scottish fishermen agreed for key stocks next year according to ministers https://t.co/sSnZ8FB2x7
— SeafoodFromScotland (@SeafoodFromScot) December 8, 2015
New #ScotBudget means funding cuts at #MarineScotland @GreenerScotland https://t.co/6xXE6hVjTw pic.twitter.com/qhzEzCu47W
— Save Scottish Seas (@SaveScotsSeas) December 17, 2015
#Scottish government announces strong protection for some #MPAs – shame others watered down https://t.co/pq2RlvlmQW pic.twitter.com/YOXduEpxUn
— Bryce Stewart (@BD_Stew) December 18, 2015