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An announcement this week that Lamlash Bay this year could become Scotland’s first community marine conservation area is ‘hugely significant’ says a senior Scottish politician.
If given the go-ahead, it could pave the way for similar initiatives across the country.
The announcement was made officially on Monday evening Richard Lochhead, Scottish cabinet secretary for rural affairs and the environment, at a public meeting in the new Arran High School auditorium in Lamlash.
The community marine conservation area will consist of a no-take zone and a fisheries management zone focusing particularly on scallops.
There now follows a three-month consultation period, then 21 days to debate the matter in the Scottish parliament. It could therefore be effective from early summer.
The announcement follows a 13-year campaign by conservationists from The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), who say statutory protection is vital.
Howard Wood, chairman of COAST, said: ‘The island community is delighted with the announcement by the cabinet secretary and is looking forward to continuing to work with the fishing community of the Clyde in this exciting project to address the regeneration of the marine environment.’
COAST has argued that if the area was allowed to return to its natural state, fish and lobster would become twice as abundant and the number of species would increase by one third.
Mr Lochhead, who arrived on Arran early on Monday for a series of engagements including visiting the site of the marine conservation area, said: ‘This is a hugely significant proposal. The Scottish government is delighted to support community-driven projects and that has been the key to their success. This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we all work together.’
Kenneth MacNab, chairman of Clyde Fishermen’s Association, said: ‘The association is pleased that after a lengthy process a satisfactory outcome has been reached in the Lamlash Bay process. We are ready to play our role in the management of the bay.’
Tom Vella-Boyle of COAST said: ‘This all started 13 years ago when Don Macneish came back from New Zealand after seeing what they had done there about marine conservation.’
Speaking about the practical difference such a designation would make, he added: ‘Firstly, we’ll be putting up information boards along Shore Road for the public to tell them about the zone. I expect a lot of marine scientists will want to visit the site and once the word is out plenty of divers will be coming to Lamlash Bay. Other areas will use Arran as a template and SNH is looking to establish a network of no-take zones throughout Scotland.’
However, one dissenting voice was that of Neil McLean of Lamlash, president of Arran Angling Association and a former member of COAST. He told the Banner: ‘I used to be in COAST but do not approve of this decision. I have never been in favour of a no-take zone because it would be impossible to legislate. If a fishing vessel takes shelter in the bay how do you know she won’t dredge on the way out?’
As well as working towards the establishment of the proposed no-take zone, COAST also wants to educate others on the need for marine conservation through local, national and international levels. It is expected that students at the new Clauchlands Outdoor Education Centre will be able to study and enjoy a protected marine environment on their doorstep.
