2014 Consultation on the Management of Inshore Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Protected Areas Overview

Protected Area N - Treshnish Isles SAC

The Treshnish Isles constitute an archipelago of remote volcanic islands situated between the islands of Coll and Mull in the Inner Hebrides, southwest Scotland. Located 3 km off the west coast of Mull at its closest point, this island chain extends for approximately 11 km from the Cairn na Burgh islands in the far northeast to Bac Beag at the most south westerly point.

The Treshnish Isles SAC covers approximately 1,963 ha and encompasses 6 out of the 8 islands in the chain. The site has grey seals and reef habitat as the qualifying features. In addition there is a significant presence of two Priority Marine Features. These are maerl beds and seagrass beds. These do not form part of the qualifying features.

Summary of the approaches to management

There are 2 approaches presented and under both the use of suction dredges (boat or diver operated) would be prohibited throughout the SAC.

In addition under approach 1, the use of demersal trawls, or mechanical dredges would be prohibited throughout the SAC.

In addition under approach 2, the use of demersal trawls, or mechanical dredges, would be prohibited on a zonal basis.

Further information

See the Protected Area N section in the following documents;

Approaches
Maps
Pictures

See questions 35 - 37