Scottish MPA Project Management options LOCHS DUICH, LONG AND ALSH POSSIBLE MPA

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1 Scottish MPA Project Management options LOCHS DUICH, LONG AND ALSH POSSIBLE MPA This is a working draft that has been produced to support initial discussions with stakeholders about management of activities in the possible MPA. The development of site management is an ongoing process which will continue after the conclusion of the formal consultation. We will make changes to reflect any relevant information that becomes available e.g. through stakeholder discussions. This paper covers a range of different activities and developments but is not exhaustive. It focuses on where we consider there could be a risk in terms of achieving the conservation objectives. The paper does not attempt to cover all possible future activities or eventualities (e.g. as a result of accidents), and does not consider likely cumulative effects that could result from different types of activities being carried out within the possible MPA. This document should therefore be considered as the starting point for discussions about management relating to the possible MPA. The following documents provide further information about the features, evidence and assessment of the possible MPA and should be read alongside this Management Options Paper: Site summary Data confidence assessment Detailed assessment against the MPA Selection Guidelines These documents are all available on the Scottish Natural Heritage website.

2 Document version control Version Date Author Reason / Comments Version 1 06/02/2013 Siobhan Mannion Insertion of relevant activities (subject to refinement). Version 2 17/05/2013 Owen McGrath Update of maps and text Version 3 31/05/2013 Suz Henderson Update aquaculture sections Liam Wight Version 4 12/06/2013 Katie Gillham Review of whole document. Version 5 17/06/2013 Owen McGrath Updated version from Katie Gillham and updated maps. Version 6 17/06/2013 Suz Henderson Minor edits in aquaculture section Version 7 19/07/2013 Morven Updated mapping Carruthers Version 8 23/07/2013 Katie Gillham Edits to address internal QA comments Distribution list Format Version Issue date Issued to Electronic Version 6 17/06/2013 Michael McLoed Electronic Version 6 15/07/2013 Discussed at Regional Fisheries event in Kyle of Lochalsh Electronic Version 8 25/07/2013 SNH web publication [A / 22(#34)]

3 THE DEVELOPMENT OF MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR THE LOCHS DUICH, LONG AND ALSH POSSIBLE MPA Introduction The Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA covers a group of three sea lochs on the west coast of Scotland. The possible MPA overlaps with the Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh marine Special Area of Conservation which was designated for its reefs. The boundary of the marine SAC is focused on the reefs around the edges of the lochs. The possible MPA also includes the main basins of the sea lochs. Kyle of Lochalsh is a busy harbour with a QinetiQ base, transport boats and fishing boats, as well as sightseeing and pleasure craft. Kyleakin also has pontoons for tourist and pleasure boats. Lochs Alsh and Duich support three salmon farms. Eilean Donan Castle, located at the meeting point of the three lochs, is very popular with tourists. Wildlife tours, scuba diving, sea kayaking and recreational angling are also popular activities on the waters of Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh. The Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA provides an opportunity to conserve an important part of Scotland s seas. Further details of the possible MPA can be found in the site summary. This document has been produced to provide background information on the development of management for the Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA. It will be used during discussions with stakeholders as part of the formal consultation. The aim of these discussions is to explore current activities and the potential interactions these may have with the proposed protected features. Future activities may also be considered. The document describes the known location and extent of protected features and our current knowledge of where various activities take place. It also presents our preferred management option for each of those activities that are considered capable of having an effect on the protected features. The document provides those with an interest in the area a chance to input into the early stages of working out appropriate management of activities to ensure that the Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA makes a genuine and long-lasting contribution to the protection of Scotland s marine environment. Map 1 shows the location of the Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA. 3

4 Map 1 Location of the Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA 4

5 Roles SNH s role is to advise Scottish Government on options for developing management of the Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA. In doing this, our aim is to ensure the conservation objectives for the protected features are met. Marine Scotland will lead the discussions on management with stakeholders. They will consider SNH s advice and will lead on the development of specific management measures. They will be responsible for making recommendations to Scottish Ministers on these measures. Scottish Ministers will decide whether to implement these measures. Stakeholders can provide additional evidence to support the development of management options, including local knowledge of the environment and of activities. Discussions with stakeholders will be one way of highlighting the implications of any management options to both SNH and Scottish Government. This will contribute to the development of well-designed and effective management measures if the site is approved by Scottish Ministers. Protected features and conservation objectives The Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA is being considered as part of a network of new Nature Conservation MPAs. These are being established to help conserve a range of Scotland s important marine habitats, wildlife, geology and landforms. The location and extent of the proposed protected features within the Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA are shown on Map 2. Conservation objectives set out the desired quality of the protected features within each Nature Conservation MPA. They will form part of the designation order for Nature Conservation MPAs and will therefore be in place at the time that a site is formally designated. A conserve objective is used where evidence exists that a protected feature of an MPA is in good condition or where limited evidence exists and therefore there is uncertainty concerning the condition of a feature. A recover objective will be used where evidence exists that a species or habitat of an MPA is declining and/or damaged, to the point where it is not considered to be in a good condition. We have recommended that the conservation objectives for the protected features within Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA are conserve for both features. The maps in the rest of this document have been produced using the point data shown in Map 2. We have also used these data to produce a predictive map of the habitats within the possible MPA (see Annex 1). The predictive map has been produced using a combination of different types of data (including on depth, seabed type and the locations of habitats and species). The map will be used to help inform discussions on management by highlighting the expected distribution and extent of habitats within the possible MPA so that this can be discussed alongside information on activities. Additional data will help us to improve the accuracy of this map in future. 5

6 Map 2 The distribution of protected features Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA 6

7 Overview of activities Table 1 below lists the activities that take place within or close to the Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA. Further discussions with those who use the area are required to improve our understanding of these activities (e.g. locations, extent and intensity). Those activities which the protected features are sensitive to are explored in detail in the next section. Activities which the protected features are not thought to be sensitive to will not be considered further within this document. New or other activities not identified within the table would need to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Table 1 Overview of existing activities believed to take place within or close to the Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA Activities considered capable of affecting the protected features Aquaculture - finfish farms Sron an Tairbh Ardintoul Point Loch Duich Aquaculture shellfish farms Kirkton Activities not considered to be capable of affecting the protected features * LV distribution cable route 4 LV Distribution Cable Routes cross over the possible MPA. 7 additional subaqueous cables cross through the possible MPA. RYA Cruising Routes Two cruising routes cross through the possible MPA area RYA Sailing Areas The North West Scotland Sailing Area overlaps the possible MPA area. Commercial shipping Fishing - static gear Creeling & potting Fishing demersal mobile/ active gear Ports/ Harbours: trawl, dredging and hydraulic methods There are two harbours within the possible MPA area at Kyle of Lochalsh, and Kyleakin and a slipway at Dornie. Fishing diver collection of bivalves Water extraction: There is 1 water extraction site within the possible MPA area (abstraction for fish production at Kyle of Lochalsh) Anchorage areas Anchorage areas: There are 4 unrestricted anchorages and 1 small craft mooring area within the possible MPA. *Only the specific examples of activities listed in the table have been excluded, rather than the broad activity types. 7

8 Development of management options Management options are being developed where we consider that some form of management may be necessary to achieve the conservation objectives for each proposed protected feature. The approach to identifying management options for each activity will be risk-based i.e. we are focusing on providing advice where we believe there is a risk to achieving the conservation objectives. To do this, we are using existing data and information on protected features and relevant activities, and also our understanding of the relationships between the proposed features and activities. The management options may be informed by discussion with stakeholders. If new information becomes available during the consultation, the management options may be revised. Management options are focused on the activities that cause an effect (a pressure) that a feature is sensitive to. Pressures can be physical (e.g. abrasion of the seabed), chemical or biological. Different activities may cause the same pressure, e.g. fishing using bottom gears and aggregate dredging both cause abrasion which can damage the surface of the seabed. The protected features of a possible MPA are considered sensitive to activities that generate pressures that may affect them, especially if they are unable or very slow to recover from these pressures. The online sensitivity tool FEAST 1 will be available on the Marine Scotland website. It reflects our current understanding of the interactions between activities, pressures and features and supports the first steps of the assessment of risk to the features in the possible MPAs. The tool highlights that activities can give rise to a range of pressures, which the protected features of the possible MPA may be sensitive to. Sensitivity is characterised by a feature s tolerance (response to change) and its ability to recover. Please use the online tool on the Marine Scotland web site for more detailed information including the evidence we have used in developing our recommendations. We have identified risks to achieving the conservation objectives where there is an overlap between protected features and activities (based on pressures) they are sensitive to. We have recommended management options to manage this risk. Specific details of the recommended management options for each activity are provided in the following sections. Overlap between different activities/potential developments and the proposed protected features is described and where appropriate mapped. The text focuses on interactions in terms of physical overlap but the assessment of risk in future should also take account of the intensity and frequency of activities within the possible MPA. SNH has identified a range of management options that may be applied, including: - management to remove or avoid pressures - management to reduce or limit pressures - no additional management required We recognise that stakeholders can provide local environmental knowledge and more detailed information on activities, including in relation to intensity, frequency and methods. This additional information will help us to develop more specific management options, focused on interactions between features and activities. 1 Features, Activities, Sensitivities and pressures Tool 8

9 Aquaculture - finfish farms There are three finfish farms located within the possible MPA area - Sron an Tairbh, Ardintoul Point and Loch Duich. These are shown in Map 3 below. Ardintoul Point fish farm is not located in close proximity to any records of protected features. Sron Fish Farm is located near to burrowed mud. Loch Duich fish farm near Letterfearn is located over an area of burrowed mud. Burrowed mud is considered to have a medium sensitivity to pressures associated with finfish farms (e.g. organic enrichment, siltation changes). The fish farms have been in place for some time and there is no known management in place beyond that through existing fish farm consents. Any impacts to the burrowed mud will have already occurred and it is unlikely the continued operation of these sites would contribute to deterioration in current condition of the feature. Plans for new fish farms or expansion of current farms would need careful consideration. In assessing likely impacts, our focus has been on the Allowable Zone of Effect (the SEPA modelled area of chemical and waste deposition) and the mooring grid, which together, represent the main footprint associated with finfish farms. Map 3 Overlap between finfish farm lease areas and proposed protected features 9

10 Recommended management option: Remove/avoid pressures - associated with new finfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing fish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on flame shell beds. Flame shell beds occur at discrete locations within the site. Management should therefore be focused around these locations and does not need to be put in place across the whole MPA. Reduce/limit pressures - associated with new finfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing fish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on expansion of existing finfish farms or proposed new developments in areas where there would be likely to be impacts on burrowed mud (particularly in areas with fireworks anemones). Burrowed mud is widely distributed across the site and therefore it is likely that any management required would be across most, if not the whole, MPA. There is some potential to focus management around locations with fireworks anemones. Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with finfish farming within or adjacent to the possible MPA to help us to understand more about the interactions between finfish farms and the protected features. We will also continue discussions with public authorities to ensure that any impacts on protected features are considered when they are assessing proposals. Where management measures are required, the development of these would be undertaken via discussion with finfish farming interests and informed by any detailed information that can be made available. Marine Scotland will lead the development of specific management measures. The ongoing Audit and Review process (see Relationship with existing management below) is also relevant to the management of the possible MPA. 10

11 Aquaculture - shellfish farms The shellfish farm in the centre of Loch Alsh near Avernish is located over an area of burrowed mud. This is shown in Map 4 below. Burrowed mud is considered to have a medium sensitivity to pressures associated with shellfish farms (e.g. medium sensitivity to organic enrichment and low sensitivity to low siltation changes). The shellfish farm has had consent for some time and there is no known management in place beyond that through existing shellfish farm consents. It is unlikely the continued operation of this site would contribute to deterioration in current condition of the feature, although this site may not have been operating in recent years. Any plans for new shellfish farms or expansion of current farms would need careful consideration. In assessing likely impacts, our focus has been on the area below the equipment and the mooring grid, which together represent the main footprint associated with shellfish farms. Map 4 Overlap between shellfish farm lease area and proposed protected features 11

12 Recommended management option: Remove/avoid pressures - associated with new shellfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing shellfish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on flame shell beds. Flame shell beds occur at discrete locations within the site. Management should therefore be focused around these locations and does not need to be put in place across the whole MPA. Reduce/limit pressures - associated with new shellfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing shellfish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on burrowed mud (particularly the fireworks anemone). Burrowed mud is widely distributed across the site and therefore it is likely that any management required would be across most, if not the whole, MPA. There is some potential to focus management around locations with fireworks anemones. Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with shellfish farming within or adjacent to the possible MPA to help us to understand more about the interactions between shellfish farms and the protected features. We will also continue discussions with public authorities to ensure that any impacts on protected features are considered when they are assessing proposals. Where management measures are required, the development of these would be undertaken via discussion with shellfish farming interests and informed by any detailed information that can be made available. Marine Scotland will lead the development of specific management measures. The ongoing Audit process (see Relationship with existing management below) is also relevant to the management of the possible MPA. 12

13 Relationship with existing management For both finfish and shellfish farming a process of Audit and Review of existing Crown Estate leases / consents is currently being undertaken by Marine Scotland. This process aims to transfer existing Crown Estate consents to permanent planning permission by March 2014 (note that some of the aquaculture developments within the possible MPA already have planning consent). The process aims to ensure that any appropriate environmental considerations have been taken in to account before planning permission is granted. Currently any existing Crown Estate lease which has either not been developed or not developed to its full extent but which may impact the features of the site if developed fully should be considered carefully through the ongoing Audit and Review process. In such instances where undeveloped or part developed Crown Estate leases, if developed fully, would be capable of affecting (other than insignificantly) the protected features of the site then an assessment should be carried out by the public authority to determine whether there would be a significant risk to achieving the conservation objectives. 13

14 Anchorages There are several anchorages within the possible MPA (see Map 5 below). A number of these anchorages are located either close to or on burrowed mud. Burrowed mud has a medium sensitivity to surface abrasion associated with anchoring (particularly with regard to large epibenthic species such as the fireworks anemone). None of the anchorages are within 200m of the flame shell bed in Kyle Akin and so the interaction between the flame shell bed and anchorages has not been considered further. Our view is that with the continued use of the anchorages in Loch Alsh and Loch Duich possible MPA there is no risk to the conservation objectives for burrowed mud because any effects are likely to be localised. Map 5 Overlap between anchorages and proposed protected features Recommended management option: No additional management required because whilst burrowed mud has medium sensitivity to surface abrasion associated with anchoring (particularly with regard to fireworks anemone), the effect of this is likely to be localised. 14

15 Introduction to fishing activities Up-to-date information on the distribution and intensity of fishing activity within and adjacent to the Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh MPA possible MPA was not available at the time of writing. Therefore, in providing our advice on management options for fishing activities, we have focused on what we know about the sensitivities of the proposed protected features to different types of fishing activity and whether or not that fishing activity may affect the achievement of the site s conservation objectives. Our advice below has been presented in the context of three broad management options, which are: remove/avoid pressures, reduce/limit pressures or no additional management. We have indicated the extent to which these options would allow the conservation objectives to be met and have added some site specific comments. Recommended highlights that an issue of fishery/feature interaction exists, there is a reasonable evidence base and a specific recommendation for action can be made/justified. Considered highlights that an issue exists, but circumstances mean that a specific recommendation for action cannot / or need not be made at this point. However, there is sufficient cause to make fishery managers aware of the issue and for them to consider if a fishery management measure may be helpful in achieving conservation objectives particularly where there may be a synergy between the benefits of management actions for the fishery and the conservation objectives for the feature. In order to assess the extent to which these features are actually affected by fishing activities in the site, discussions with those involved with fishing within or adjacent to the possible MPA will be important. Fishing demersal mobile/ active gear Protected features located on the seabed are considered sensitive to pressures (i.e. surface damage and abrasion) associated with demersal mobile/ active fishing gear. Map 6 overleaf shows the sensitivities of the protected features to pressures associated with demersal mobile/ active fishing (including trawls, dredges and hydraulic methods). The sensitivity of flame shell beds relates to activities which cause physical disturbance to the seabed surface. Therefore this would include fishing with any towed gear, whether dredges (e.g. for scallop or burrowing bivalves), trawls or hydraulic fishing (e.g. for burrowing bivalves). The flame shell bed occurs at one discrete location within the site (Kyle Akin), therefore any management of fishing activities could be focused around this location only. Management measures to reduce or limit the amount of mobile/active fishing activity on the burrowed mud feature are likely to contribute to conservation objectives being met, particularly at locations within the site where there are high densities of epibenthic species. As this feature is dispersed extensively throughout the site, management measures applied to the whole site would present the least risk to meeting the conservation objectives. However, given the extent of the feature within the site, management measures covering a proportion of the feature would also be expected to make some contribution to the conservation objectives being met. 15

16 Map 6 Sensitivities of the proposed protected features to pressures associated with demersal mobile/ active gear fishing Recommended management option: Remove or avoid pressures the exclusion of mobile/active gears from the area within the site where flame shell bed occurs is recommended. The flame shell bed occurs at a discrete location within the site. Management should therefore be focused around this location and does not need to be put in place across the whole MPA. Reduce or limit pressure management measures to reduce or limit mobile/active fishing on areas within the site where burrowed mud occurs should be considered, particularly where there are fireworks anemones. Burrowed mud is widely distributed across the site. Fireworks anemones are recorded in the shallower waters of Loch Alsh and throughout Loch Duich. There is some potential to focus management around locations with fireworks anemones. 16

17 Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with fishing within or adjacent to the possible MPA to help us to understand more about the interactions between different gear types and the proposed protected features. Scotmap will provide a valuable source of information on inshore fishing activity. It is expected that in future Scotmap will be used to support decision-making on MPAs. Where management measures are required, the development of these would be undertaken via discussion with fishing interests and fishery managers and informed by any detailed information about fishing activity that can be made available. Marine Scotland will lead the development of specific management measures. Relationship with existing management measures There is a Harbour Order at Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin Harbours, within which fishing is prohibited. This overlaps with the flame shell bed. 17

18 Fishing - static gear The Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh possible MPA is likely to be fished by pots /creels for crabs, lobsters and Nephrops. We are assuming that bottom-set netting and long-lines are not currently operated within the possible MPA. Map 7 shows the sensitivities of the protected features to surface damage or abrasion. However, fishing activity at low levels is not expected to adversely impact the features. Management measures to reduce or limit the intensity of static gear fishing activity on the flame shell bed are likely to contribute to conservation objectives being met. For the burrowed mud feature, this would be particularly true at locations within the site where there are high densities of fireworks anemones. As burrowed mud is dispersed extensively throughout the site, management measures applied to the whole site would present the least risk to meeting the conservation objectives. However, given the extent of the feature within the site, management measures covering a proportion of the feature would also be expected to make some contribution to the conservation objectives being met. Map 7 Sensitivities of the proposed protected features to pressures associated with static gear fishing 18

19 Recommended management option: Reduce or limit pressure - Management measures to reduce or limit static gear fishing on areas within the site where burrowed mud occurs should be considered, particularly where there are fireworks anemones. Burrowed mud is widely distributed throughout the possible MPA. Fireworks anemones are recorded in the shallower waters of Loch Alsh and throughout Loch Duich. Reduce or limit pressures measures to reduce or limit physical disturbance of flame shell beds should be considered. Any impacts are likely to be related to the intensity of use of static gears. There is no published information on the interaction with static gear but there may be a risk to the integrity of flame shell beds e.g. as a result of surface abrasion and / or removal of nest material through entanglement. Flame shell beds occur at discrete locations within the site. Management should therefore be focused around these locations and does not need to be put in place across the whole MPA. Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with fishing within or adjacent to the possible MPA to help us to understand more about the interactions between different gear types and the proposed protected features. Scotmap will provide a valuable source of information on inshore fishing activity. It is expected that in future Scotmap will be used to support decision-making on MPAs. Where management measures are required, the development of these would be undertaken via discussion with fishing interests and fishery managers and informed by any detailed information about fishing activity that can be made available. Marine Scotland will lead the development of specific management measures. Relationship with existing management measures There is a Harbour Order at Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin Harbours, within which fishing is prohibited. This overlaps with the flame shell bed. 19

20 Fishing diver collection of bivalves This section covers fishing for bivalve molluscs by divers, including collection by hand and the use of diver-operated hydraulic gears (e.g. air lifts). Our understanding is that these activities are not currently carried out but they have been included to cover potential future activity. Flame shell beds are highly sensitive to surface and sub-surface abrasion and disturbance, and consequently the use of diver-operated hydraulic methods are likely to compromise conservation objectives. Recommended management option: Remove or avoid pressure The exclusion of diver-operated hydraulic methods from the area within the site where the flame shell bed occurs is recommended. The exclusion of hand collection of horse mussels from within the flame shell bed is recommended. The flame shell bed occurs at one discrete location within the site. Management should therefore be focused around this location and does not need to be put in place across the whole MPA. Proposed way forward: We will continue discussions with those involved with fishing within or adjacent to the possible MPA to help us to understand more about the interactions between different gear types and the proposed protected features. Scotmap will provide a valuable source of information on inshore fishing activity. The data are currently being validated by Marine Scotland Science but are unlikely to be available far enough in advance of the formal consultation to be included within this paper. It is expected that in future Scotmap will be used to support decision-making on MPAs. Where management measures are required, the development of these would be undertaken via discussion with fishing interests and fishery managers and informed by any detailed information about fishing activity that can be made available. Marine Scotland will lead the development of specific management measures. 20

21 Summary of management options Aquaculture - finfish farms Remove/avoid pressures - associated with new finfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing fish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on flame shell beds. The flame shell bed occurs at one discrete location within the site. Management should therefore be focused around this location and does not need to be put in place across the whole MPA. Reduce/limit pressures - associated with new finfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing fish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on expansion of existing finfish farms or proposed new developments in areas where there would be likely to impacts on burrowed mud (particularly in areas with fireworks anemones). Aquaculture shellfish farms Burrowed mud is widely distributed across the site and therefore it is likely that any management required would be across most, if not the whole, MPA. There is some potential to focus management around locations with fireworks anemones. Remove/avoid pressures - associated with new shellfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing shellfish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on flame shell beds. The flame shell bed occurs at one discrete location within the site. Management should therefore be focused around this location and does not need to be put in place across the whole MPA. Reduce/limit pressures - associated with new shellfish farms and undeveloped consents as well as the expansion or relocation of existing shellfish farms in areas where they would be likely to impact on burrowed mud (particularly the fireworks anemone). Anchorages Burrowed mud is widely distributed across the site and therefore it is likely that any management required would be across most, if not the whole, MPA. There is some potential to focus management around locations with fireworks anemones. No additional management required because whilst burrowed mud has medium sensitivity to surface abrasion associated with anchoring (particularly with regard to fireworks anemone), the effect of this is likely to be localised. 21

22 Fishing demersal mobile/ active gear Remove or avoid pressures the exclusion of mobile/active gears from the area within the site where flame shell bed occurs is recommended. The flame shell bed occurs at one discrete location within the site. Management should therefore be focused around this location and does not need to be put in place across the whole MPA. Reduce or limit pressure management measures to reduce or limit mobile/active fishing on areas within the site where burrowed mud occurs should be considered, particularly where there are fireworks anemones. Burrowed mud is widely distributed across the site. Fireworks anemones are recorded in the shallower waters of Loch Alsh and throughout Loch Duich. There is some potential to focus management around locations with fireworks anemones. Fishing - static gear Reduce or limit pressure - Management measures to reduce or limit static gear fishing on areas within the site where burrowed mud occurs should be considered, particularly where there are high densities of fireworks anemones. Burrowed mud is widely distributed throughout the possible MPA. Fireworks anemones are recorded in the shallower waters of Loch Alsh and throughout Loch Duich. There is some potential to focus management around locations with fireworks anemones. Reduce or limit pressures measures to reduce or limit physical disturbance of flame shell beds should be considered. Any impacts are likely to be related to the intensity of use of static gears. There is no published information on the interaction with static gear but there may be a risk to the integrity of flame shell beds e.g. as a result of surface abrasion and / or removal of nest material through entanglement. The flame shell bed occurs at one discrete location within the site. Management should therefore be focused around this location and does not need to be put in place across the whole MPA. 22

23 Fishing hand collection of bivalves Remove or avoid pressure The exclusion of diver-operated hydraulic methods from the area within the site where the flame shell bed occurs is recommended. The exclusion of hand collection of horse mussels from within the flame shell bed is recommended. The flame shell bed occurs at one discrete location within the site. Management should therefore be focused around this location and does not need to be put in place across the whole MPA. Before any firm recommendations are made, discussions should be held with stakeholders to ensure that the there is a good understanding of the features and the likely interactions with activities. Marine Scotland will lead the discussions on management with stakeholders. These discussions will start during the formal consultation and, if necessary, may continue after the consultation. The discussions should lead to an improved understanding of the risk to the proposed protected features. The options presented here will then be reviewed by SNH and a preferred way forward may be recommended. This will form the basis of advice from SNH to Marine Scotland on management requirements for this possible MPA should it be designated as a Nature Conservation MPA. Marine Scotland will be responsible for making recommendations to Scottish Ministers on any management measures that may be required. The development of these measures will be done through discussion with stakeholders after the formal consultation on the possible MPA. Should any management measures require statutory underpinning, Marine Scotland will undertake further consultation. Further information The following documents are available for background information: Marine Scotland s MPA consultation document SNH and JNCC MPA network advice (November 2012) The draft MPA Management Handbook Draft fisheries guidance notes 23

24 Annex 1 Habitat map showing predicted extent of the proposed protected features within the possible MPA Habitat polygons shown with a dotted infill (as opposed to solid colour) are those for which we have lower confidence in the predicted extent. This is likely to be either because a) the location covered by the polygon has been relatively sparsely sampled or b) the habitat polygon is based on an extrapolation from a neighbouring area with very similar habitat features. Relatively little sampling has been conducted within the deeper waters within Loch Alsh and so the distribution of burrowed mud within this loch has been estimated using acoustic data. Further sampling is to take place Sept The dark red area in central Loch Duich reflects overlap between burrowed mud and fireworks anemone. 24