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5 Argyll Marine Special Areas of Conservation
5.1 Implementation of the Management Plan Implementation of this management plan will be necessary to ensure compliance with the Habitats Directive. Although it will be the responsibility of the relevant and competent statutory authorities to control activities within their respective remits, the Argyll Marine SAC Management Forum will continue to play a key role in formulating new and amending old management actions. Argyll and Bute Council will coordinate and administer the Forum and will be the principal agency coordinating implementation of the management actions. Implementation of the Management Plan Argyll and Bute Council will: Continue to coordinate the activities of the Argyll Marine SAC Management Forum. 5.1 Facilitate implementation of management actions identified in the Loch Creran Marine SAC Management Plan. Update and revise the Loch Creran Marine SAC Management Plan as directed by the Forum. Develop and encourage research projects that will aid future management of the site. Continue to increase awareness and understanding about the SAC. The Forum will meet annually, or when necessary, if issues arise which should be addressed urgently. LOCH CRERAN
5 Argyll Marine Special Areas of Conservation
5.2 Implementation Phase Management Actions PHASE ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT ACTIONS & TASKS Implementation Phase Management Actions FISHING Benthic Dredging Fishermen should be informed of the SAC designation and any management actions for the site through the Secretaries of the Fishermen's Associations, through local Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) Officers, the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group (SIFAG) or via vessel lists. 5.2 Benthic Trawling In the interim period until a statutory zoning plan is finalised, the local zoning plan will continue to be publicised and distributed. Fishermen should be informed of the SAC designation and any management actions for the site through the Secretaries of the Fishermen's Associations, through local Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) Officers, the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group (SIFAG) or via vessel lists. Creel Fishing In the interim period until a statutory zoning plan is finalised, the local zoning plan will continue to be publicised and distributed. Fishermen should be informed of the SAC designation and any management actions for the site through the Secretaries of the Fishermen's Associations, through local Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) Officers, the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group (SIFAG) or via vessel lists. Whelk Fishing In the interim period until a statutory zoning plan is finalised, the local zoning plan will continue to be publicised and distributed. Fishermen should be informed of the SAC designation and any management actions for the site through the Secretaries of the Fishermen's Associations, through local Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) Officers, the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group (SIFAG) or via vessel lists. Shellfish Diving The Forum recommends that statutory measures should be introduced to prohibit harvesting from horse mussel beds in Loch Creran. AQUACULTURE Finfish Farming The Forum recommends that relevant/competent authorities ensure that any future finfish farming developments are not sited over biogenic reefs, as there is potential for smothering from organic waste products. LOCH CRERAN
Implementation Phase Managemnet Actions ACTIVITY PHASE MANAGEMENT ACTIONS & TASKS The Forum recommends that relevant/competent authorities ensure that future placement of finfish farm moorings be preceded by a diver survey to check the area is clear of biogenic reef before moorings are dropped. This survey should follow the methodology outlined in the Loch Creran Marine SAC: Private and Commercial Moorings Pack available from the Scottish Executive, Ports and Harbours Branch www.scotland.gov.uk or from The Crown Estate www.thecrownestate.co.uk. 5.2 Shellfish Farming The Forum recommends that relevant/competent authorities ensure that any future mussel farming developments are not sited over biogenic reefs, as there is potential for smothering from shells and organic waste products below shellfish lines. The Forum recommends that relevant/competent authorities ensure that placement of future mussel farming moorings/anchors be preceded by a diver survey to check the area is clear of biogenic reef before they are dropped. This survey should follow the methodology outlined in the Loch Creran Marine SAC: Private and Commercial Moorings Pack available from the Scottish Executive, Ports and Harbours Branch www.scotland.gov.uk or from The Crown Estate www.thecrownestate.co.uk. RECREATION & TOURISM Boat Moorings The Forum recommends that relevant/competent authorities ensure that future mooring placement be preceded by a diver survey to check the area is clear of biogenic reef before moorings are dropped. This survey should follow the methodology outlined in the Loch Creran Marine SAC: Private and Commercial Moorings Pack available from the Scottish Executive, Ports and Harbours Branch www.scotland.gov.uk or from The Crown Estate www.thecrownestate.co.uk. Anchoring In an attempt to discourage indiscriminate anchoring, preferred anchorage areas are identified in the zoning plan for the loch (Appendix IV). The Forum recognise that it will be difficult to ensure that visitors to Loch Creran use these preferred areas. However, mariners will be informed of the locations and encouraged to use them through additions to Admiralty Charts, cruising guides, local information points, the West Highland Anchorages and Moorings Association, West Highlands and Islands Sailing Clubs Association, Royal Yachting Association, yacht charter companies, sailing and yacht clubs. Information may also be provided locally if yachts communicate via VHF with local users. Scuba Diving Education is the most appropriate tool to increase awareness of the marine SAC designation and preferred conduct whilst diving in the area. A dive code (Appendix V) has been developed for distribution to all SSAC, BSAC, Sub-Aqua Association (SAA), Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) clubs. This information will also be available at local air stations and interpretive signage is to be placed at strategic points around the loch. Charter Boat Operations The Forum coordinator will ensure that all members are provided with copies of the SNH Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code once it is published. Argyll Marine Special Areas of Conservation
ACTIVITY Trade Effluent PHASE MANAGEMENT ACTIONS & TASKS EFFLUENT DISCHARGES/DUMPING All existing discharges within the Loch Creran SAC are to be reviewed by SEPA now that the European Commission has adopted the site. If SEPA feel that an existing discharge is likely to have a significant effect on the site they will make an appropriate assessment of that discharge as required by the Habitats Regulations and will either affirm, modify or revoke the discharge consent to ensure the integrity of the site is not being threatened by the continuation of existing activities. Implementation Phase Management Actions 5.2 Sewage Effluent All existing consented discharges within the Loch Creran SAC are to be reviewed by SEPA now that the European Commission has adopted the site. If SEPA feel that an existing discharge is likely to have a significant effect on the site they will make an appropriate assessment of that discharge as required by the Habitats Regulations and will either affirm, modify or revoke the discharge consent to ensure the integrity of the site is not being threatened by the continuation of existing activities. Marine Littering and Dumping Encourage current and future local businesses, including boat operators, to participate in an accredited environmental management system. Identify funding possibilities and/or physical assistance to help current and future local businesses, including boat operators, to participate in an accredited environmental management system. Promote the existence of the SAC, encouraging homeowners, recreational visitors and boat owners/operators to dispose of litter properly. Promote a strategy of land-based disposal in the correct facilities. SHIPPING AND BOAT MAINTENANCE Boat Hull Maintenance and Antifoulant Use The Forum recommends that Pollution Prevention Guidelines for Marinas and Craft should be circulated to all Forum members and those businesses employing the use of antifoulant treatments. Use of these Guidelines is to be encouraged within marine SAC areas. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Scientific Research The Forum recommend that any proposals to undertake marine research involving potential damage to the conservation interests of the site should have clear outcomes which will benefit the long-term health and management of the conservation interests. In general, there should be a presumption against destructive research. LOCH CRERAN
5 Argyll Marine Special Areas of Conservation