Table 1: Assessment on the sensitivity of EMS to fishing activities Site Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast Dornoch Firth and Morrich More Features (sub-type) *qualifying feature but not primary reason for selection Reef Estuaries at low tide Notes Within this site bedrock and stony types of Reef are sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawl, dredge and beam trawl). An existing management measure is in place (SSI 2004 no. 276) which restricts the use of mobile or active gear to 1 mile from MHWS. This restriction contains the majority of the relevant reef habitat within the SAC. No further management required at present. Within this site sandbanks slightly the time are sensitive to fishing by hydraulic gears Bedrock and stony types of reef are sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawl, dredge and beam trawl) at low tide are vulnerable to cockle fishing and bait digging (including by hand). The mussel fishery is currently managed, but we are not certain of its current status. In addition, a NCO (1995) prohibits the removal of any marine invertebrate, fishing/collection of shellfish and use of vehicles or craft for surveying, collecting or transporting shellfish (but does not affect the mussel fishery). A cockle fishery is not entirely incompatible with the conservation of the site, but requires Scottish Natural Heritage, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth PH1 3EW Tel: 01738 444177 Fax:01738 458611 www.snh.gov.uk
East Mingulay Reef (rocky, stony, biogenic incl. Lophelia) appropriate management to ensure the cockle population is sustainably managed and that the quality of the associated infaunal community is maintained (which is also relevant in the context of bird interest at the site). Measures to protect particularly sensitive habitats (particularly sea grass) from disturbance would need to be included. Although some fisheries activity is currently managed in this site, we advise that further management of existing (or potential future) fisheries activity should be explored. Within this site Lophelia is considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawl) and sensitive to static gears (e.g. creels, nets and long lines). Bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawl, dredge and beam trawl). The advice given to MS in our letter dated 30 June 2011 remains relevant. Firth of Lorn Reef (rocky, stony) Within this site the bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawl, dredge, beam trawl). Stony reef is particularly vulnerable to scallop dredging. The existing restriction (SSI 2007 no.240) currently prohibits scallop dredging within the site. Firth of Tay & Eden Estuary Future management is subject to discussion of outcome of recent research. Within this site sandbanks slightly the time are sensitive to fishing by hydraulic gears. at low tide are vulnerable to exploitation There is the potential for impact from fishing for burrowing bivalves within the SAC using dredges (including hydraulic). The extent of impact is likely to be related to intensity. Isle of May Reef* Within this site the bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawl, dredge, beam trawl). 5 A1205028
Scallop dredging is the mobile gear most likely to be used in the vicinity of this site. Loch Creran Reef Within this site both Serpulid and Modiolus reef is considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawl, dredge, beam trawl, hydraulic methods). Serpulid reef is also considered sensitive to static gears (creels and nets). Bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawl, dredge, beam trawl) There are existing restrictions under SSI 2007 No. 185 which cover both mobile and static gears within the SAC. The site is also a proposed MPA for search features that are partly (but not wholly) coincident with the SAC features. Loch Laxford Loch Moidart and Loch Shiel Woods Large shallow inlets and bays Although management currently exists, modification of the Order may be required in future to accommodate the MPA status, if designated. Within this site maerl beds are considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawl, dredge, beam trawl and hydraulic methods). Bedrock and stony reef considered sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawl, dredge, beam trawl). at low tide are vulnerable to exploitation Although not thought to be exploited currently, management measures to protect sensitive features and to ensure the quality of target species population and associated infaunal community are maintained, would be desirable. 6 A1205028
Loch nam Madadh Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh Large shallow inlets and bays Coastal lagoons Reef Within this site, maerl beds are considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawls and hydraulic methods). Bedrock and stony reef are considered sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawls, dredges and beam trawls). at low tide are vulnerable to exploitation covered by sea water all the time are sensitive to fishing by hydraulic gears. The risk of the lagoon feature being exposed to fishing is considered to be relatively low. Within this site horse mussel beds are considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawls and hydraulic methods) such as for queen scallop. Bedrock and stony reef are considered sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawls, dredges and beam trawls) There is some existing protection for the horse mussel beds due to the navigation channel in the Kyle, but the eastern (Loch Alsh) end may be exposed to fishing activity. There is a seasonal closure to mobile/active gear and suction dredge under SSI 2004 no. 276. This site is also a proposed MPA. The flameshell beds are of highest sensitivity although are broadly contiguous with the Modiolus beds. 7 A1205028
Luce Bay and Sands Large shallow inlets and bays Within this site maerl beds are considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawls and hydraulic methods). Sabelleria spp. are considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawls and hydraulic methods) Bedrock and stony reef are considered sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawls, dredges and beam trawls). at low tide are vulnerable to exploitation the time are sensitive to fishing by hydraulic gears. Meetings with fishing interests were held on the basis of advice to MS in June 2011, which contained possible zonation scenarios. Mòine Mhór Moray Firth Since then a further survey of Luce Bay has been conducted and we will now review the report with a view to refining the advice provided. at low tide are vulnerable to exploitation the time are sensitive to fishing by hydraulic gears. Mousa Within this site bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges and beam trawls). Scallop dredging is the mobile gear most likely to be used in the vicinity of this site. An overview of scallop fishing activity from the Shetland SSMEI indicates that scallop fishing 8 A1205028
may affect part of the site, but not in Mousa Sound. North Rona Within this site the bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges, and beam trawls). Papa Stour Within this site the bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawls). Scallop dredging is the mobile gear most likely to be used in the vicinity of this site. An overview of scallop fishing activity from the Shetland SSMEI indicates that scallop fishing may affect part of the site. A fuller understanding of fishing activity is needed to assess the risk to the site. Sanday at low tide Within this site eelgrass beds and horse mussel beds are considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawls and hydraulic methods) at low tide are vulnerable to exploitation the time are sensitive to fishing by hydraulic gears. There are current concerns about potential impact arising from the fishery for razorfish here (existing correspondence with MS). Management measures to contain the fishery and avoid impact on features such as eelgrass beds would be desirable. 9 A1205028
Solway Firth Sound of Arisaig (Loch Ailort to Loch CeannTraigh) Estuaries at low tide the time Within this site Sabelleria spp. are considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gears (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawls and hydraulic methods) Bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges and beam trawls). The fishery for cockles on the intertidal flats is the predominant concern. The cockle fishery is not entirely incompatible with the conservation of the site, but requires appropriate management to ensure the cockle population is sustainably managed and that the quality of the associated infaunal community is maintained (which is also relevant in the context of bird interest at the site). Discussions on management of the cockle fishery are ongoing and we will continue to provide advice. Within this site eelgrass beds and maerl beds are considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawls and hydraulic methods) the time are sensitive to fishing by hydraulic gears. Under the SAC s management plan, there is an existing voluntary measure for scallop dredging. However, other forms of mobile or hydraulic gear (including those used in diver fishery) are not currently covered. 10 A1205028
Sound of Barra csac Reef the time Within this site eelgrass beds and Maerl beds are considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawls and hydraulic methods) Bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges and beam trawls). the time are sensitive to fishing by hydraulic gears The most relevant fishing activities include dredging for scallops and for razor fish. Advice for the site provided in our letter of 30 June 2011 remains relevant. St Kilda Reef Within this site bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges and beam trawls). Sullom Voe (NB this site overlaps with Yell Sound Coast SAC) Large shallow inlets and bays Coastal lagoons* Within this site horse mussel beds are considered highly sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawls and hydraulic methods) Bedrock and stony is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g.trawls, dredges, beam trawls). Scallop dredging is the mobile gear most likely to be used in the vicinity of this site. An overview of scallop fishing activity from the Shetland SSMEI indicates that scallop fishing may affect part of the site, at the outer edge of the Voe. 11 A1205028
Loch Sunart Within this site bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges and beam trawls). The site is also a proposed MPA. Scallop dredging is the mobile gear most likely to be used in the vicinity of this site. An understanding of fishing activity is needed to fully assess the risk to the site. Treshnish Isles Within this site the bedrock and stony reef is considered sensitive to mobile/active gear (e.g. trawls, dredges, beam trawls). Please note: 1. the above analysis relates only to sensitivity arising from the feature/fishery interaction. This is not a full assessment of the risk faced by the site for which we need to consider the vulnerability to actual fishing activity (for which SNH doesn t have the information). 2. this advice is focused on benthic features, with relatively little attention given to mobile species. We propose to follow this up with subsequent advice to cover mobile species (especially birds and marine mammals). 12 A1205028