The Scottish Government are consulting on the proposed designations and de-designations of Shellfish Water Protected Area’s (SWPAs), as part of work to meet a statutory obligation.
SWPAs are designated zones aimed at safeguarding shellfish waters from pollution, ensuring the sustainable development of economically significant shellfish production.
The purpose of the review is to identify areas where it may be appropriate to designate a new SWPA or de-designate (remove) an existing SWPA. The review consists of several steps
It proposes:
- The designation of 14 new sites as SWPAs
- The expansion of 1 existing SWPA
- The de-designation of 29 existing SWPAs due to three continuous years of non-production within the designated area
This consultation seeks input to inform a review of SWPA designations to ensure these designations continue to support the aim of safeguarding shellfish waters and the sustainable development of economically significant shellfish production, without disproportionate costs to other stakeholders.
Read the consultation paper and the Partial Buisness Regulatory Impact Assessment.The consultation papers contains full background information for this consultation.
The consultation is open until the 29th September 2025.
