 marine concern | sitemap | log in
|
 |
||
Hebridean Partnership Hebridean Partnership comprises a group of local people from the Scottish west coast, as well as other interested parties; the Partnership is formally constituted. All supporters are voluntary and share the same concerns for the marine environment, and come from a broad background; from members of the general public, to scientists, from fishermen to shellfish farm operators. As a local based group we understand the delicate nature of our rural communities and the local concerns over employment and small local businesses.
Since the formation of the Partnership committee members have engaged in identifying Scottish legislation which would allow for “real” protection to the Scottish marine environment. In 2002 the only suitable piece of legislation was the National Park (Scotland) Act 2000, where Section 31 allowed for the introduction of a marine element.
 The Scottish Government at that time started a consultation into a Coastal and Marine National Park. The Minister for the Environment made it very clear that he was not going to be introducing other legislation for marine protection. The government program was rushed with insufficient time scales and as a result much of the required information was simply not available to the public, in fact many detailed sections of the proposed Park Authority had not been explored by the government.
The resultant muddle caused a great deal of concern for local people. Several fishing associations actively engaged in propaganda against the concept; some even suggested that the Coastal and Marine National Park was to become a “Theme Park”. The Scottish Act was very clear in its aims: Two of which were to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage and to promote sustainable use of the natural resources. Numerous polls indicated that there was a general support for the concept.
 The Marine Natura 2000 scheme of the EC Habitats Directive was also becoming established with a network of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). The UK & Scottish governments failed in the first instance to establish enough SACs and were informed by the EC that they would be required to establish more. This was eventually complied with, and additional SACs such as Lismore, Firth of Lorn and Loch Creran received official full SAC status in 2005.
Marine management forums in Argyll quickly revealed that the government and its agencies were not serious about applying adequate protection to the SACs. Eventually, having followed all of the correct procedures two independent complaints (by Hebridean Partnership and a combined complaint by BSAC and ScotSAC) were submitted to the EC for the Scottish government; failing to comply with the Habitats Directive. The EC found in favour of the complainants and a Letter of Formal Notice was issued to the UK Government.
 The Hebridean Partnership was actively involved with the consultation process for the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010; especially in the Sections which dealt with Marne Protected Areas and Seals. On initial inspection of the draft Marine Bill one could have been excused for thinking that it were drawn up by the commercial industries, namely fishing. It was clear during the consultation process that the fishing associations and the aquaculture industries were exerting great pressure on the government and politicians.
Many Non government Organisations (NGOs) were involved with lobbying politicians and some amendments were made in the favour of the environment and animals concerned; but it could be argued that these changes did not go far enough to ensure adequate protection to the marine environment for the future, but without this involvement the Marine Act would have been much weaker.
Due to what appears to be reluctance by the relevant authorities in Scotland to engage in the spirit of the Habitats Directive and other existing environmental legislation the Partnership has emerged partly as a "watchdog group". Our primary aims of protecting the marine and maritime environment and promoting sustainable, environmentally friendly methods for harvesting the seas resources remain.
 Partnership supporters are currently undertaking a submission for Marine Protected Areas and are currently assessing the repeal of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 and legislation to protect Scottish seals under the new Act; currently, despite the Cabinet Secretary stating, “Scotland has already given protection for seals”, two seals were shot in the Kyles of Lochalsh recently. It appears that there will be no action taken; certainly not by the new Marine (Scotland) Act as it will not come into effect until early 2011.
 Hebridean Partnership has its own website, but this has not been updated for some time due to lack of resources. This old site still contains much useful information but will go off-line later this year.
If you would like to know more, become a supporter or provide a donation to allow for future lobbying please fill-in your details and comments in our “Enquiries and Contacts” section.
|
|
|
 |
||
