A sustainable future for Loch Craignish

• D&R MPAs can be created to demonstrate, or carry out research on, sustainable methods of marine management or exploitation.

• Once established, a management plan and model can be developed in partnership with all stakeholders.

• The designation itself does not allow or restrict any activities.

• From Marine Scotland’s MPA Guidance; “It is not the intention for Demonstration & Research MPAs to introduce restrictions on existing or normally sustainable activities. However restrictions may be introduced if they are necessary to support the demonstration or the research objectives of the site. All proposals should consider if the objectives can be achieved through arrangements such as voluntary agreements and stakeholder agreement.”

• Also from Marine Scotland’s MPA Guidance; “The expectation is that Demonstration & Research MPAs will be time-limited, but the approaches being trialled may be implemented on a longer-term basis in that area or elsewhere. A designation should only remain in place for the length of time necessary to achieve the aims and objectives of the MPA and a review period will normally be defined.”

You can read more about MPAs here; https://www.gov.scot/policies/marine-environment/marine-protected-areas/

You can read Marine Scotland’s MPA Guidance here; www.cromach.org/_files/ugd/244d0f_4ae87d26930340f58f273aa832dc403a.pdf

• CROMACH’s recent community consultation and subsequent report “ ‘Mon the Fish” showed strong support for actions that will enhance the biodiversity in the Loch, protect ecosystems there and to develop a model of community-led stewardship. Demonstration and Research Marine Protected Areas can act as a framework for achieving such goals. Through this feasibility study and community consultation we are exploring the following questions;

  • Could Loch Craignish become a D&R MPA?

  • Is there local support for a D&R MPA in Loch Craignish?

  • What is the scientific case for a D&R MPA in Loch Craignish?

  • Is a D&R MPA a suitable mechanism for the sustainable management of Loch Craignish? If not, what alternatives could there be for the community, species and habitats of the Loch to continue to thrive?

• To be considered for D&R MPA status, a proposal must be submitted to Marine Scotland outlining;

  • The scientific case for a D&R MPA

  • The level of support amongst local stakeholders and communities

  • Why an MPA is the most appropriate mechanism for achieving the stated aims.

• CROMACH have contracted local community researcher Keira Anderson to work with local stakeholders and the Loch Craignish community to explore and prepare a proposal for Demonstration & Research Marine Protected status for Loch Craignish. This position is funded, and supported, by Fauna & Flora International (FFI) through their Community Support Fund.

• Keira will be exploring the possibilities of a D&R MPA for Loch Craignish with stakeholders and the community over the coming months. With community consensus initial research objectives will be drafted, recommendations on governance prepared and a proposal to Marine Scotland will be written and submitted.

This exploration and proposal are being led by CROMACH (Craignish Restoration of Marine & Coastal Habitats). Cromach is a community coastal group set up to improve the coastal and marine habitat around our community. We are set up and run by the community for the community.

To find out more or discuss any aspect of the project, you can contact the following people:

• Keira Anderson, Project Officer: keira@make-do.studio

• Will Goudy, CROMACH: will@cromach.org

• Danny Renton, CROMACH: danny@seawilding.org

• Kerri Whiteside, Fauna & Flora International: kerri.whiteside@fauna-flora.org