In Scotland, bottom trawling continues to damage coastal seabeds

About 37% of Scotland's waters are designated as Marine Protected Areas, but most lack management and bottom trawling or scallop dredging is permitted across much of the inshore coast; the Scottish government has delayed a consultation on coastal fisheries measures by at least six months.

Fishermen along Scotland's west coast report long-term declines in inshore fish stocks and rely on a shrinking number of intact areas. Marine Protected Areas cover a substantial share of Scotland's waters on paper, but many lack specific management or enforcement. Industrial methods such as bottom trawling and scallop dredging are still allowed across large parts of the inshore zone, and community groups and scientists are exploring restoration work while awaiting policy action. Key facts: - About 37% of Scotland's waters are designated as Marine Protected Areas, yet a small fraction currently have management measures in place. - Bottom trawling and scallop dredging are reported as permitted in roughly 95% of Scotland's coastal waters, including within some designated protected areas. - Scottish officials announced a delay of at least six months for a consultation on fisheries management measures for coastal protected areas; they said additional measures are expected in the coming years. Summary: Local small-scale fishers say inshore catches have declined and that some remaining reef areas are important refuges. The consultation delay means proposed fisheries management changes will not proceed on the previously signaled timeline. Officials have stated further measures are expected in coming years, and the exact schedule for those steps was not specified.