More ‘No Take’ zones will help protect marine environment
Arran’s MSP Kenneth Gibson led a debate calling for the establishment of more ‘No Take’ Zones (NTZ) in the Scottish parliament on Tuesday evening.
An NTZ is an area of sea and seabed from which no fish or shellfish can be taken.
Opening his Members Business debate, Mr Gibson emphasised how Scotland’s only NTZ in Lamlash Bay has been a resounding success in stimulating the regeneration of marine life.
The NTZ was established in 2008 after the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) made a compelling case to the Scottish government – with Mr Gibson’s enthusiastic support – to introduce the first and, so far, only one in Scotland, to stop further degradation, regenerate and protect the bay’s despoiled marine environment.
Since its introduction, the 2.67 km square area has seen its lobster population become four times more abundant and produce six times more eggs inside the NTZ. Research also shows that king scallop density is four times higher.
Mr Gibson highlighted the benefits of NTZs and urged the establishment of more in Scottish waters. He said: ‘Since the introduction of the No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay it has been an unmitigated success, with the marine environment recovering much faster than anticipated and sea creatures increasing exponentially since 2008.
‘We have also seen NTZs succeed elsewhere, including in New Zealand and the Isle of Man.
‘All around Scotland we are fortunate to have fantastically diverse populations of molluscs, crustaceans and fish. Many live at or near the shore and we must do all we can do protect them from over-fishing and destruction of the seabed. By doing so we can encourage sustainable marine tourism while boosting greater diversity in flourishing marine environments. Ultimately, this can only help the fishing industry too, as abundant marine life spills over into adjacent areas. ‘It’s a win-win situation. ‘I commend the fantastic work of COAST over many years, which is dedicated to protecting our marine environment, not just in Arran but across Scotland and beyond.
‘I urge other communities to protect their shorelines and encourage sustainable fishing by working with their local MSPs and Scottish Ministers to press for more No Take Zones to be established in their areas.’