Marine Protected Area network: 2024 report to the Scottish Parliament

10. Socio-economic impact of the MPA network

There is a growing body of global scientific evidence which demonstrates that marine protected areas can have socio-economic benefits, in addition to environmental ones.^[10] In Scotland, the Scottish Government's

Monitoring the Socio-Economic Impacts of Marine Protected Areasreport, published in 2020, assessed the evidence on socio-economic impacts of Scotland's MPA network between 2016 and 2018. This is the most recent comprehensive assessment of the socio-economic impacts of existing MPAs (and their management measures) on Scotland's marine sectors and coastal communities.

Socio-economic impacts on the fishing industry

The report analysed fishing activity and fish landings data, together with evidence from interviews and case studies which suggested that there had been both localised positive and negative impacts linked to MPA management measures.

Trawl vessels (for example, Nephropstrawlers) which had fished within MPA boundaries before management measures were introduced are now catching less from ICES rectangles containing MPAs, and are compensating for this by fishing more heavily in other rectangles, further from MPAs. Total landings for these vessels were found to have remained the same, or were higher, apart from those which had been particularly heavy users of the fishing grounds within MPAs.

Landings from dredge vessels which had fished within MPA boundaries showed a decline from 2013-2018, with a steeper decline post 2016. This suggests that other factors (such as crew shortages, access to markets, the quota system, fluctuating prices, cumulative impacts from other industries, and the changing environment) are affecting dredged scallop landings on the west coast, but that MPAs may be a contributing factor.

Analysis of employment data showed that employment on mobile gear vessels in port districts on the west coast of Scotland had decreased slightly, while employment on static gear vessels had increased.

The findings from the fisheries and employment data corroborated data which had been gathered from interviews with fishers, with just over a quarter of fishers reporting reduced landings attributed primarily to reduced access to fishing grounds. Static gear fishers reported having greater access to fishing grounds within MPAs and feeling more secure fishing in their areas. Some had expanded their businesses and taken on more crew.

Socio-economic impacts on other industries

A third of processors interviewed stated that the volume of produce landed to them had reduced, and that this meant a reduction in their profits, with one of these attributing this to MPAs, whilst others said MPAs were a contributing factor.

The main direct impact highlighted by respondents from aquaculture was that the designation of an MPA near an existing or potential development increases the complexity of planning applications, the time and effort needed to prepare them and the time required for local authorities to process them.

Interviews with a large number of participants from the tourist industry highlighted that they view MPAs as a tourist attraction, with some stating that their businesses had started or improved as a result of MPAs, while others now cite them as part of their unique selling point.

Wider social impacts

The 2020 report also notes that several organisations and community groups have developed or galvanised around the MPAs. These groups were found to have organised a large array of activities and events, and raised awareness and educated the public about marine conservation and the rich diversity of their local inshore waters. Respondents observed improvements in the marine environment, which they attributed to MPAs. Many stated that this was the most important positive impact of the MPAs and described feelings of hope and inspiration at the thought of the improvements that were possible and what that could mean for their local area.

This report concludes that it is challenging to draw clear conclusions on the extent of impacts that MPAs have had. There is evidence that MPAs have made fishing more challenging in some areas with additional knock- on impacts on associated industries. There is also evidence of positive environmental and community impacts, particularly with regard to public environmental awareness, research and education.