The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Flame shells have a brighter future with protected status
Environment: Endangered reef designated as a Marine Protected Area
A rare flame shell reef devastated by scallop dredging has been given protected status.
The endangered seabed habitat in Loch Carron has been designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) by the Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham.
Environmental groups welcomed the move yesterday.
An investigation was launched by Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Government into claims that the vulnerable habitat was damaged by dredging.
The inquiry confirmed damage to the flame shell beds was consistent with the impact of scallop dredging.
There was a viable prospect of recovery because part of the bed had survived and another nearby bed had remained intact, the investigation found.
Flame shells are orangecoloured molluscs which hide in nests they build on the seabed, providing a rich and diverse habitat for other creatures.
An urgent Marine Conservation Order will be put in place to prevent mobile gear fisheries, such as dredging, in the area – initially for one year.
Ms Cunningham said: “We take our duty to protect Scotland’s rich marine environment extremely seriously and recognise the importance of safeguarding vulnerable habitats like flame shell beds.
“By introducing a Marine Protected Area and putting in place a ban on dredging we hope to ensure the recovery of the flame shell beds in Loch Carron.”
She added: “While we recognise there are concerns around scallop dredging in coastal waters, we must balance environmental concerns with the need for legitimate and sustainable fishing.
“The Scottish Government will now begin work immediately to identify if there are other areas which should be protected.”
Katie Gillham, head of SNH’s Coastal and Martine Unit, said: “The evidence collected by recreational divers, and by Marine Scotland Science and SNH, clearly shows the damage that was done to the flame shell bed.”
Dr Sam Gardner, acting director of WWF Scotland said: “This recent incident clearly shows the importance of completing the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network and ensuring the jewels of Scotland’s seas are there for future generations to enjoy.”
Calum Duncan, Marine Conservation Society head of conservation, also welcomed the move.
Dr Richard Luxmoore, NTS senior nature conservation adviser, called for an end to “destructive” fishing practices in all inshore waters within three nautical miles.
“We hope to ensure the recovery of the flame shell beds in Loch Carron”