The Latest Breaking News from Open Seas

Marine conservation group claims damage to seabeds is a ‘national scandal’

The charity Open Seas accused Scottish ministers of continuing to allow ‘destructive’ fishing practices to be carried out in protected areas.

Evening Standard · May 28, 2025

Ministers accused of ‘still breaking the law’ over fishing licences

Charity Open Seas made the allegation more than a year after a decision in its favour at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Evening Standard · May 8, 2025

Conservation groups hit out at ‘unfulfilled promises’ over Scotland’s seabed

The Our Seas Coalition accused the Scottish Government of having ‘systematically neglected’ the country’s seabed.

Evening Standard · May 6, 2025

Scampi comes at 'unsustainable cost' says charity as it urges shoppers to avoid

SHOPPERS and supermarkets are being urged to avoid scampi due to its “big environmental price tag” until significant improvements have been made…

The National (Scotland) · Oct 12, 2023

Charity 'deeply troubled' by delays to marine protection pledges

A MARINE protection charity is “deeply troubled” over delays to key environmental pledges by the Scottish Government, including a consultation…

The National (Scotland) · Jul 20, 2023

Scottish ministers have ‘duty’ to protect seabed from harmful fishing, says court

Licensing for scallop dredging and trawling must comply with National Marine Plan after judicial review by Open Seas charity

The Guardian - UK · Jul 13, 2023

Scottish government ditches controversial marine protection plan

Backlash against proposal has united communities, campaigners and parts of fishing industry

The Guardian - UK · Jun 29, 2023

Judge brands fishing licence decision unlawful in win for marine charity

Open Seas sought a judicial review of Marine Scotland’s decision involving fishing vessels dragging nets along the seabed.

The Independent UK · Jun 23, 2023

Scottish Government body 'acted unlawfully' in fishing licence row, court rules

A decision taken by Marine Scotland last year to vary sea fishing licences for vessels using methods believed to be harmful to marine life has been…

The National (Scotland) · Jun 23, 2023

Judge to consider legal challenge over scallop dredging in Scottish waters

Campaign group Open Seas raised a petition for a judicial review.

The Independent UK · May 22, 2023