NA h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil has said he “strongly” encourages people to respond to the Highly Protected Marine Areas consultation before it closes.
The SNP MP added he has spoken to many across his constituency who are worried about their livelihoods.
MacNeil described the level of concern as high around the proposed Highly Protected Marine Areas (HMPAs) by the Scottish Government which is open to consultation until Monday, April 17.
The newly proposed Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) would ban commercial and recreational fishing in at least 10% of the seas around Scotland.
Scotland’s existing network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) already covers approximately 37% of its seas.
The MP said: "I've spoken to many people across the constituency in recent weeks and the level of concern is strongly felt. People are worried about their livelihoods, and I have yet to meet anyone in favour of the proposal. It is important that these views are known to the consultation, even if it is a line or two submitted saying that the proposal should be ditched.
"I'd strongly encourage people to respond to the HPMA consultation before it closes on April 17. The online link to the consultation is a long and complex number of questions so I would encourage people to submit their views via the email address and complete the Respondent Information Form.”
Scottish Government ministers have said the HMPAs will conserve marine ecosystems but continue to provide economic and social benefits.
However, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), which represents Scotland’s fishermen’s associations, said HPMAs will have a “catastrophic impact” on the industry, Western Isles local authority – Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – also said it will strongly oppose HMPAs, and Shetland Islands Council depute leader Gary Robinson described the new proposals as “potentially devastating”.
Kate Forbes also called on the Scottish Government to ditch its controversial plans in her first column for The National. The SNP leadership runner-up called on her party to “govern for all of Scotland, not just parts of Scotland” and said their plans for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) severed a key “lifeline” for fishing communities.
However, more than 40 environmental organisations including WWF, the Marine Conservation Society, and the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, pleaded with the SNP leadership candidates during the race to follow through on the government’s commitment to HPMAs.
They said that, if implemented correctly, the areas would support recovery of the world’s oceans and benefit local communities.
Calum Duncan, head of conservation in Scotland at the Marine Conservation Society and convenor of Scottish Environment LINK’s marine group said at the time: "We all rely upon a healthy ocean, coastal communities most of all.
"We’re in the midst of an ocean emergency and all governments of the UK have failed to halt the decline of nature at sea, with declining seabed conditions and plummeting seabird populations of particular concern.
“Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) are a simple measure, proven worldwide to support ocean recovery, doubling sealife within their boundaries, overspilling into surrounding waters to benefit local fishers. Sustainable wildlife watching, education, research and enjoyment can also take place within such zones."
The consultation is available on the Scottish Government website. Submissions can be completed online or hard copy. However, people can also submit their views by emailing: HPMA@gov.scot and completing the Respondent Information Form, which is also available on the Scottish Government consultation website.
